Pneumonia is a type of lung infection that can be caused by a number of bacterial or viral pathogens. Babies most often develop pneumonia symptoms as a result of a viral infection, explains MedlinePlus, an online medical resource provided by the National Institutes of Health. Pneumonia symptoms in babies can be serious and require immediate medical attention from a physician.
Cough or Grunting Noises
Unlike older children and adults, babies with pneumonia may not experience the chronic cough symptoms typically associated with this type of infection, explains MedlinePlus. Instead, babies with this lung infection may begin to make unusual grunting noises. Babies who do develop cough symptoms may experience recurrent coughing episodes that produce a dry, hacking cough, which may progressively become congested.
Fever
A fever can arise in babies who have pneumonia. Symptoms of fever may be accompanied by sweating, chills or headache in certain babies. In babies with viral pneumonia, fever symptoms typically exceed 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, reports BabyCenter, an informational website for parents and parents-to-be. Babies who develop fever symptoms should be evaluated by a physician as this symptom can be a sign of a different medical problem.
Breathing Difficulties
Breathing difficulties can arise in babies who have pneumonia, explains KidsHealth, a children's health information website supported by the Nemours Foundation. A baby with this lung infection can begin to wheeze or breathe rapidly. A parent or caregiver may notice that the muscles beneath a baby's ribcage abnormally retract while the baby is breathing. Babies who develop breathing difficulties as a result of pneumonia require prompt medical attention from a physician.
Stomach Upset or Poor Feeding
Pneumonia can cause stomach upset symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting, in affected babies. If this occurs, a parent or caregiver may notice that the baby does not want to eat or has a decrease in appetite, explains KidsHealth. Certain infants with pneumonia can also develop diarrhea symptoms due to this infection. Babies who experience persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea should be evaluated by a doctor, as such symptoms can increase a baby's risk of becoming dehydrated.
Irritability
It can be difficult for a parent or caregiver to identify pneumonia in a baby, since babies cannot talk about their symptoms. Babies with pneumonia can become unusually irritable or fussy as a result of this infection. Uncomfortable pneumonia symptoms may cause a baby to cry or have difficulty falling asleep. Babies who are inconsolable should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
