Pneumonia in children may stem from a variety of causes including bacteria, virus, parasite, fungus or chemicals. It may also be acquired if food or stomach juices end up in a lung. While all children are susceptible to pneumonia, those who are born prematurely, poorly nourished or exposed to smoke are considered to be at higher risk. Other risk factors include chronic illness and spending time in close proximity with groups of other children. Pneumonia may affect one or both lungs.
Cough
Most children with pneumonia develop a recurrent cough. The child may have phlegm, which can have a yellow or green appearance. According to "Medical-Surgical Nursing," a child may cough so much that the muscles around his chest become weak. Pain in the chest or stomach area is common due to the coughing.
Fever
The child may develop a temperature higher than 99.6 degrees as the pneumonia develops. This fever may lead to chills and shaking. While fever is usually mild, it may be quite elevated in some children, depending on the cause of the pneumonia and whether it is being treated.
Difficulty Breathing
The child with pneumonia may appear to have difficulty breathing and avoid lying flat. She may have an audible wheeze or breathe hard or fast. Severe breathing difficulty may be a sign that the child's condition is worsening.
Loss of Appetite
The child with pneumonia may have a poor appetite. He may refuse food---even his favorite treats---and limit drinking fluids. Vomiting or diarrhea may accompany this.
Headache and Body Aches
Headaches and body aches are commonly seen in pneumonia. The child may complain that she hurts all over or that she cannot sleep because her head hurts.
Fatigue
The child with pneumonia may seem exhausted and want to stay in bed or on the couch. He may complain of dizziness when he stands up. Severe fatigue can be a sign that the child's condition is worsening.
Crying
The child with pneumonia may cry more than usual or seem inconsolably fussy. An older child may be irritable and not want to play with her siblings or be disturbed.
Paleness
The child with pneumonia may seem pale. Drugs.com states that his lips and the area underneath his fingernails and toenails may become bluish. These signs usually indicate a serious worsening of the child's condition.
What to Do
Pneumonia should always be treated by a medical professional. If your child has one or more of these symptoms, contact her pediatrician to see if she should be checked for pneumonia or other illness. Pneumonia is treated at home or in the hospital. Get emergency care for your child for severe or worsening symptoms.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing;" Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
- Children's Hospital Boston: Pneumonia
- Drugs.com: Pneumonia in Children
