What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs caused by a bacteria or virus or both. It can develop after your child has a cold, or it can develop on its own. Your child may have a fever, chest pain, cough, anxiety, and lack of appetite.

How is it diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose pneumonia with a blood test, and usually a chest X-ray. Sputum and throat cultures may be used to identify the cause. Some children need several X-rays and blood tests to see how well the medicine is working after they are diagnosed with pneumonia.

How is it treated?

Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. These may be given by mouth, or if the doctor thinks your child needs it, an IV (intravenous line) may be started so your child can receive fluids (water, sugar and salts) and antibiotics.

Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, so they don't work in cases of viral pneumonia. Treating viral illness is designed to ease the symptoms of cough, fever, pain, and poor appetite. Your child may not be allowed to eat if he is breathing very fast. The fluids in the IV will provide nutrition for a short period of time. As she improves, her diet will return to a normal one. It's important for your child to drink plenty of fluids.

In addition to antibiotics and medicine for fever or pain, your child may receive aerosol treatments. This is a medicine mixed in a mist that he breathes. This will help your child breathe easier, but it may make her cough more. This is necessary to loosen and bring up the mucous in the airways.

Your child may receive oxygen through a mask or by small tubes that are placed in her nose. Infants may be placed in a mist tent with oxygen.

Your child may receive chest physiotherapy (CPT), which cups, claps, and vibrates the chest to loosen secretions in the lungs.

Recovery time can vary depending on the type of pneumonia. You can help by comforting your child so he can rest.

When should I call the doctor?

After your child goes home from the hospital, call the doctor if your child develops the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or breathing fast
• Noisy breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty finding a position for breathing comfortably
• Persistent cough
• Lips or nails become bluish
• Fever higher than 101° F
• Refusing to drink fluids
• Not making urine at least six times a day

From the Parent/Patient Education Series
Holmes Regional Medical Center Pediatric Services

Peds: Pt Ed 4. Reviewed 4/98.