5 Things You Need to Know About Childhood Pneumonia

1. Viruses and Bacteria Cause Childhood Pneumonia

A number of different viruses, bacteria and even chemical irritants can cause childhood pneumonia, a serious infection of the lungs and the main cause of death in children throughout the world. The most common causes of bacterial childhood pneumonia are streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus. Viruses that commonly cause childhood pneumonia include parainfluenza, influenza and adenovirus. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is another significant cause of childhood pneumonia in children under age 5. Childhood pneumonia often occurs after an upper respiratory infection like a cold. Although children can contract pneumonia any time of the year, cases peak in the winter and spring.

2. Symptoms of Childhood Pneumonia

Some of the symptoms of childhood pneumonia are similar to those of other infections. They include fever and chills, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea, a cough that produces mucus, decreased appetite and wheezing, which is a whistling sound during breathing or fast, difficult breathing. A child suffering fast, difficult breathing needs immediate treatment. Children with pneumonia may also complain of pain in the chest or stomach. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms and is not getting better, call your pediatrician.

3. Diagnosis Is Usually Based on Symptoms

Your pediatrician often can make a diagnosis of childhood pneumonia simply by conducting a physical examination of your child. She will also ask you many questions about your child's symptoms, such as when they started and whether they seem to be worsening or improving. Tests may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. Depending upon your child's symptoms, your pediatrician may order a chest X-ray, blood tests, culture of the substance known as sputum that your child coughs up and/or measurement of the blood-oxygen levels in a test called pulse oximetry.

4. Antibiotics Treat Bacterial Pneumonia

A full course of antibiotics is necessary to treat bacterial causes of childhood pneumonia, but viral pneumonia does not respond to this treatment. It is sometimes difficult to tell whether a virus or a bacterium caused the infection. If your child still has a fever after being on medication, you should call your doctor to determine the cause.

5. Vaccine Prevents One Cause of Childhood Pneumonia

Since childhood pneumonia is a serious, potentially deadly infection, prevention is critical. The vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b protects children under age 5 against this common cause of childhood pneumonia. It is recommended that children get a dose at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, and then again when they are between 12 and 15 months old. Other important prevention strategies include proper nutrition and hand washing, as well as avoiding contact with people whom you know are ill.