Your little one is coughing a lot,Parents? Although common and easy to cure, every parent must be vigilant because coughing can be one of the symptoms of pneumonia in babies.
Pneumonia itself is an infection that occurs in one or both lungs, where the cause can be fungi, bacteria, or viruses.
The infection occurs in the air sacs that contain fluid to pus. This condition can be dangerous, yes Parents , especially for babies who still have weak immune systems.
On the other hand, you should also know that some children and babies are more susceptible to this condition than their peers. Let’s see the complete explanation of pneumonia symptoms in babies in this article!
What is Pneumonia in Babies (Neonatal Pneumonia)?
Do not take pneumonia in babies lightly. Immediately see a doctor if your baby shows symptoms.
The lungs are an important organ of the respiratory system, which is the site of gas exchange between the external environment and the body.
There are several different mechanisms that protect the lungs and the body from various pathogens that come from the environment. One of them is this: the air we breathe is filtered in the nose, larynx, bronchi and gas exchange occurs in the alveoli.
When dust or particles enter the lower respiratory tract, they are expelled through the cough reflex. However, smaller particles are able to penetrate deeper into the trachea, adhere to the tracheobronchial wall by the mucous layer of the ciliated epithelium and are then moved upward to be expelled.
Particles that reach the alveoli are processed by alveolar macrophages and local immune mechanisms. Then, the particles are transported out of the alveoli by the lymphatic system.
Does the same process occur in babies?
Newborns have different anatomical and physiological characteristics than older children and adults. The nose and pharynx of newborns are relatively short and small, and the nostrils and nasal passages are narrow, causing the baby’s nasal breathing to be limited.
Because the nasal mucosa is thin, the nasal mucosal barrier function in children is still weak and the ability to disinfect with mucus is not good, so children are susceptible to nasopharyngeal infections that can easily cause pneumonia.
Quoting the MSD Manual page , pneumonia is an infection of the small air sacs of the lungs (alveoli) and the surrounding tissue. While pneumonia in infants (neonatal) is the most common serious bacterial infection in newborns after sepsis and has a high risk of death.
There are two types of pneumonia in babies, namely:
- Pneumonia that begins at or within a few hours of birth is called early -onset pneumonia ,
- Pneumonia that begins after 7 days of age is called late-onset pneumonia .
Late-onset pneumonia is most common in newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit ( NICU ) who require a breathing tube (endotracheal intubation) for lung problems. That’s because the use of a breathing tube can increase the risk of pneumonia in newborns.
Maybe you are wondering, what actually causes pneumonia in babies?
Pneumonia in infants can be caused by various organisms, including bacteria, viruses, or fungi, which enter the lungs.
Most cases of neonatal pneumonia also occur as the baby passes through the mother’s birth canal , when the baby swallows and/or inhales infected amniotic fluid or vaginal secretions. Another cause is contact with the organism that occurs in the NICU or nursery.
Just so you know, newborns are very susceptible to pneumonia, Parents , especially premature babies and babies with low birth weight.
Etiology of Pneumonia
What are the organisms that cause pneumonia in infants?
Organisms that cause pneumonia in newborns can be acquired from the mother’s genital tract or the nursery. These organisms include:
- Gram-positive cocci (e.g. group A and B streptococci, methicillin- sensitive and methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus ),
- Gram-negative bacilli (e.g. Escherichia coli , klebsiella species, proteus species),
- Other pathogens, such as pseudomonas,citrobacter,bacillus , andserratia. This was found in infants who had received broad-spectrum antibiotics,
- Viruses or fungi also cause some cases of neonatal pneumonia.
What Causes Pneumonia in Babies?
Babies can recover from pneumonia easily, especially if they have previously received the PCV vaccine.
As mentioned above, several microorganisms are known to cause this pneumonia condition in infants, such as bacteria, mycoplasma , fungi, and viruses. A more complete explanation is as follows.
1. Bacteria
A fairly common type of bacteria that causes pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. This type of bacteria can attack one part of the lungs, better known as lobar pneumonia.
2. Mushrooms
In most cases, fungus can also be a cause, especially for people with weak immune systems . Parents should be careful because this fungus grows in soil and birds.
3. Virus
In children under 5 years of age, the most common cause of pneumonia is a virus. In some cases, this condition can be dangerous because it can lead to complications.
4. Organisms Belonging to Bacteria
Mycoplasma pneumoniae , one of the bacteria-like organisms known to cause bacteria. Worse, this organism is known to cause very severe impacts but with milder symptoms.
Don’t worry Parents , there are several ways that can be done to prevent this condition in babies.
What Type of Babies Are Susceptible to Pneumonia?
Treat pneumonia in babies as soon as possible to avoid the risk of more dangerous complications.
There are groups of babies and children who are more susceptible to experiencing pneumonia symptoms, including:
What are the Symptoms of Pneumonia in Babies?
Coughing and high fever are the most typical symptoms of pneumonia in babies. However, there are also other signs that parents should pay attention to, such as:
- Breathing more heavily than before,
- Breathing is short and heavy,
- Difficulty breathing,
- Phlegmy,
- Difficulty eating or drinking breast milk,
- Diarrhea,
- Muscle pain.
When Should Parents Be Worried?
In this condition, the child will usually return to normal after a few weeks of recovery. The good news is that a phlegmy cough can be a sign that the body is clearing the various causes.
However, parents should take their little one to the doctor when:
- Have a history of pneumonia 3 times or more.
- The baby had a cough with phlegm for 4 weeks.
- Cough has not stopped for 4 weeks.
For your information, recurring pneumonia can be one of the causes of bronchitis, which can also be dangerous for babies.
Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Infants
To diagnose pneumonia, your doctor will do a chest X-ray. They will also do a blood test to look for bacteria in your blood.
Because babies with pneumonia may have low levels of oxygen in their blood, the doctor may measure the oxygen level in the blood by placing a sensor on the finger or earlobe.
This test is called pulse oximetry. During this test, the doctor may also take a sample of sputum and test it for bacteria.
In addition, because bacterial pneumonia can spread, doctors may test newborns for sepsis by performing a spinal tap, which is a needle that removes fluid from the spinal column in the lower back.
Neonatal Pneumonia Treatment
To treat pneumonia in newborns, doctors may take several steps, including:
- Intravenous antibiotics. Once the specific organism is identified, the doctor will be able to adjust the type of antibiotic.
- Antibiotic therapy. Therapy for neonatal pneumonia is similar to therapy for neonatal sepsis.
- Administration of vancomycin and a broad-spectrum beta-lactam drug such as meropenem , piperacillin/tazobactam , or cefepime, as the initial treatment of choice for most patients with hospitalized pneumonia.
- In addition to antibiotic therapy, other treatments may be needed, such as the use of a machine that helps air move in and out of the lungs (ventilator), intravenous fluids, blood and plasma transfusions, and medications that support blood pressure and circulation.
With proper treatment, most types of bacterial pneumonia will resolve within 1-2 weeks.
How to Prevent Pneumonia in Babies?
Parents , as the saying goes ‘prevention is better than cure’. Fortunately, when it comes to pneumonia in babies, there are several steps that can be taken to prevent this condition from happening to your little one.
Some things that can be done include:
1. Give breast milk
Exclusive breastfeeding is the right choice to ward off various types of diseases, one of which is pneumonia. Because, breast milk can help improve the immune system of babies who are still weak.
2. Get vaccinated
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent this condition. Vaccination is recommended , especially for children under 2 years old to toddlers.
3. Maintain Cleanliness
Cleanliness is an important key in protecting babies from infection with this disease. Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching or visiting dirty places.
4. Keep away from exposure to cigarette smoke
As a passive smoker , babies will be more susceptible to pneumonia because it can directly affect their lung health. This certainly makes them more susceptible to infections in their respiratory organs.
Popular Questions Regarding Pneumonia in Babies
Can pneumonia in babies be cured?
Yes, it is possible. Many infant pneumonia patients recover within one to two weeks.
One thing that helps the healing process faster is if the baby has previously received the PCV vaccine . Therefore, make sure you give this immunization to your baby to prevent the disease from affecting your little one.
Is pneumonia in babies dangerous?
Alodokter said, pneumonia in babies cannot be considered trivial. When a baby has pneumonia, he will experience symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, fussiness and fever.
Not only that, even worse, babies can experience diarrhea, have no appetite, feel weak and, worst of all, their lips and nails will appear bluish or cyanotic, and their skin will be pale because their bodies lack oxygen.
Is this condition dangerous? Of course, Parents . Therefore, once again, Parents must recognize the symptoms and signs of pneumonia in babies. After that, immediately take your little one to the nearest doctor or hospital to get the right treatment.
What should people with pneumonia avoid?
The main thing is to avoid people who are sick, such as people who are coughing or have a cold. Because droplets from sneezing or coughing can be inhaled into the baby’s respiratory tract and infect him.
Also avoid using other people’s eating and drinking utensils (even if the person is not sick).
In addition, keep your baby away from people who are sick (coughing, having a cold, or other) and exposure to pollution, such as cigarette smoke.
Is pneumonia the same as wet lungs?
Dr Diah Handayani, SpP(K)., a lung specialist at Pondok Indah Hospital, as reported by Detik Health , explained that wet lungs is not an official medical term.
It is just a lay term when someone describes a condition of the lungs that is mucus (secretion). While pneumonia is a lung infection – it can be mucus or not.
There are also lung problems that are not pneumonia with a condition where the lungs are slimy, such as pleural infections (the lung membrane is submerged), tuberculosis (accumulation of fluid in the membrane due to a virus), and many more.
So, pneumonia is not ‘wet lungs’, right, Parents .
What happens if pneumonia is left untreated?
If pneumonia in infants is not treated quickly and properly, it will easily trigger complications. Among them are lung abscess, bloodstream infection, and also pleural effusion. Therefore, recognize the symptoms and treat this condition as early and as well as possible, Parents !
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So, pneumonia in infants can be overcome with proper prevention and treatment. Hopefully this information is useful and Parents can be more vigilant.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
