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Pneumonia in children or pneumonia is a lung infection caused by viruses or bacteria. In this condition, the small airways (alveoli) in the lungs are blocked by mucus, reducing the amount of oxygen entering the body.
Pneumonia is the main cause of child death in the world. Therefore, it is important to recognize the causes and symptoms of pneumonia in children so that appropriate treatment steps can be taken immediately. If your little one experiences shortness of breath, coughs up mucus and has a fever, it's best not to take it lightly.
Pulmonary Inflammation in Children and Its Causes and Risk Factors
Lung inflammation in children under 5 years is generally caused by viral infections, such as viruses that cause flu. Meanwhile, most lung inflammation conditions in children over 5 years old occur due to bacterial infections, for example the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumonia.
Viruses or bacteria that cause pneumonia spread through direct contact with infected people. Well, there are many factors that can increase the risk of pneumonia in children, such as:
- Suffering from asthma
- Have a weak immune system
- Not getting exclusive breast milk
- Malnutrition
- Incomplete immunization or not getting the pneumonia vaccine
- Born prematurely
- Suffering from problems with the lungs or airways
- Frequently around active smokers
- Living in an environment where the air is polluted by pollution or cigarette smoke
Children who are susceptible to severe pneumonia are advised to receive additional vaccines in the form of pneumococcal vaccine or PCV vaccine to protect against bacteria that cause pneumonia. Apart from that, an annual influenza vaccine is also recommended for children aged over 6 months to prevent the risk of developing pneumonia caused by the flu virus.
Various Symptoms of Pneumonia in Children
Various symptoms of pneumonia in children that can be recognized include:
- Coughing up mucus
- Fever
- Looks limp and more cranky than usual
- Shortness of breath or gasping for breath
- When you breathe, the skin between the ribs and sternum is pulled
- Chest pain when taking a deep breath or coughing
- Stomach ache
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite and unwillingness to drink
If your little one experiences this, especially if it is accompanied by pale skin, lips or tongue, you should immediately take him to the doctor. Later, the doctor will carry out a complete medical history and physical examination, including chest X-ray , blood tests, and sputum tests.
From this examination, the doctor can diagnose pneumonia and determine whether the pneumonia is caused by viruses or bacteria. Treatment for pneumonia in children due to viral infections is certainly different from bacterial infections.
Treatment of Pneumonia in Children
Treatment of pneumonia in children is carried out to help children recover more quickly and prevent the spread of infection to other people.
For mild pneumonia due to viral infections, children usually do not need to be hospitalized and can undergo treatment at home. The most important thing is to make sure your child drinks enough water every day so that he doesn't experience dehydration.
The following are some treatments that mothers can do at home to speed up the healing of pneumonia in children:
- For children aged 12 years, give oral rehydration fluids, such as ORS, to increase body fluids.
- Give paracetamol according to the recommended dose and frequency to relieve fever and pain, if necessary.
- Make sure the child gets complete rest at home.
- Keep your home free of cigarette smoke. Exposure to smoke can worsen the condition of pneumonia in children.
- Feed your child according to his taste.
- Maintain cleanliness by washing your hands frequently with water and soap.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Separate children's drinking glasses and eating utensils. Do not use by other family members.
If a child's pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics that need to be finished. Children with pneumonia due to bacterial infections usually improve within 48 hours after taking antibiotics.
Meanwhile, if the doctor assesses that the condition of the child's pneumonia is quite severe, hospital treatment is necessary. Later, the child will be given fluids, antibiotics and oxygen to help him breathe and recover more quickly.
Recovery from pneumonia due to viral infections is usually slower than bacterial infections. Coughing in children due to pneumonia can last up to 3 weeks. This is not a problem if the child has a fever and his overall condition has improved.
However, if your little one's condition does not improve after treatment for pneumonia, you should consult again doctor for further examination. The doctor will usually adjust the medication given to treat pneumonia in children.
Label : Health
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