Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can affect people of all ages. In infants and in the elderly, pneumonia can be severe and even fatal in some cases. In many cases, the patient will have a cold that moves into the chest after several days and turns into a lung infection. Pneumonia can be viral or bacterial, and the type that it is will determine the treatment given. There are some signs and symptoms of pneumonia in infants that you should look for any time your baby has a cold that seems to get worse, not better.
Trouble Breathing
Infants with pneumonia may breathe rapidly or may have labored breathing. Retracting, when the skin between the ribs sucks in with each breath, may also occur. Coughing spells may make it hard for an infant with pneumonia to catch his breath, and may also cause vomiting. You may hear your baby making whistling (wheezing) or grunting noises as he struggles to breathe.
Fever
If a fever begins after several days of cold-like symptoms, you may suspect pneumonia. The fever may cause your baby to be irritable or lethargic. It may also cause chills alternating with sweating. If your baby is under 3 months of age, you should call his doctor if his fever is above 100.4 degrees. In any case, call the doctor if you suspect pneumonia, no matter what the age of the baby.
Refusing Feedings
Pneumonia in infants may cause a sore throat and abdominal or chest pain. Many babies will refuse to feed, and may become dehydrated. Babies with colds may also refuse to feed, because their noses are stuffed up and they cannot nurse and breathe at the same time.
Blue Lips or Fingers
In severe cases of pneumonia, the baby's lips or fingers may turn a blue-gray color. This is called cyanosis, and indicates that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen. If your baby's fingers or lips turn blue, this is a medical emergency, and you must seek emergency help. Take him to the emergency room, or if he is having trouble breathing, call 911.
