Beware of Pneumonia in Children, Recognize Early Symptoms and Prevention

Did you know , Parents, that pneumonia in children is considered the number 2 killer of toddlers in Indonesia?

It is not surprising that this disease was later nicknamed the forgotten killer .

Therefore, it is important for parents to be able to recognize and understand what pneumonia in children is, the causes, symptoms, and how to prevent it.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is one of the respiratory disorders that children often experience. This is a condition when a child’s lungs experience infection or inflammation.

Before discussing pneumonia in children further, we must first know how the lungs work.

In healthy lungs, oxygen enters when you breathe and moves through the breathing tubes, which then enter the blood through the alveoli.

Alveoli are tiny air sacs inside tiny blood vessels called capillaries. There are about 600 million alveoli in a single respiratory system.

When oxygen-rich air reaches the alveoli, oxygen can be absorbed into the blood. Then, red blood cells can carry oxygen throughout the body.

The body needs oxygen to keep working properly and to stay alive.

Well, if infected with pneumonia, the lungs cannot do their job as usual.

Why? Because this type of respiratory infection creates fluid and mucus that block the alveoli.

This makes it difficult for oxygen to fully enter the lungs, where it must pass before entering the blood.

Pneumonia can occur in people of any age, from infants to the elderly.

However,Cedars Sinai Medical Centerwrote that pneumonia generally occurs in infants and children under 5 years of age.

This condition can be mild or serious.

Starting from several symptoms that children often experience, such as fever, coughing in children, to difficulty breathing properly.

Coughs and colds that get worse can also lead to pneumonia.

This is because a severe cough or flu will irritate the lungs so that pneumonia bacteria or viruses can more easily move into the lungs and start an infection.

Some people think that getting wet in the rain does not cause pneumonia, but rather an infection from bacteria or viruses.

What Causes Pneumonia in Children?

IDAI on its official website states that there are various causes of pneumonia in children. Starting from viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

However, it is generally often caused by a viral infection in the lungs.

The viruses in question include rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus.

Apart from viruses, pneumonia in children can also be caused by pneumococcus bacteria ( Streptococcus pneumonia ), or other bacteria such as HiB (Haemop hilus influenza type b ), and staphylococcus ( Staphylococcus aureus ).

What are the Risk Factors for Children Who Are Vulnerable to Pneumonia?

1. Have a Weak Immune System

Quoting from the official websiteWHO (World Health Organization), most healthy children can fight off respiratory infections with their natural immunity.

However, children whose immune systems are compromised are at higher risk of developing pneumonia.

A child’s immune system can be weakened by malnutrition or lack of nutrition, especially in babies who are not exclusively breastfed .

2. Have certain diseases

Pre-existing illnesses, such as symptomatic HIV infection and measles can also increase a child’s risk of developing pneumonia.

Chronic health problems such as asthma or cystic fibrosis and problems with the lungs or airways also contribute to the risk of pneumonia in children.

3. Living in an unhealthy environment

Children under 1 year old have a higher risk if they become secondhand smokers , aka inhale air that has been polluted by cigarette smoke.

The following environmental factors also increase a child’s susceptibility to pneumonia:

• Indoor air pollution caused by cooking and heating with biomass fuels 
• Living in a crowded house

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia in Children?

Most children who have pneumonia will feel sick.

Symptoms can vary, depending on the child’s general health condition, and whether the infection is caused by a virus or bacteria.

Symptoms of pneumonia caused by bacteria will cause children to suddenly become ill, as well as severe conditions such as:

• Coughing up phlegm . The phlegm that comes out is generally green, and sometimes mixed with blood.
• Quite a high fever.
• Shortness of breath. Breathing faster and shorter.
• Chest pain that is made worse by coughing.
• Heart beat fast.
• Feeling tired and weak.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea .
• Complaints of headache.

Meanwhile, symptoms of pneumonia in children due to viral infections occur more slowly, and sometimes the child does not look too sick. In fact, it is possible that the mother does not realize that the child has pneumonia.

The signs can be like a runny nose, mild fever, dry cough or sometimes with a little mucus. Mild pneumonia like this is often called walking pneumonia.

For pneumonia in infants, there may not be any typical signs of pneumonia infection.

In addition, babies also cannot be communicated with to find out what they are feeling.

However, pay attention to the symptoms of pneumonia in babies such as looking pale, weak and lethargic, crying more often than usual, not wanting to eat, being easily irritated or restless, and vomiting.

Anyway, this is an unpleasant pain, isn’t it, Mom.

However, with proper treatment, most children with pneumonia can recover completely.

How is Pneumonia Diagnosed in Children?

A doctor can diagnose pneumonia with a complete medical history and physical examination.

Here are some types of tests that are commonly used to confirm a diagnosis of pneumonia in children:

1. X-ray

This test is done to see the condition of internal tissues, bones, and organs in the body.

2. Blood Test

An arterial blood gas test can look at the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.

3. Sputum Culture

This test is performed on mucus (phlegm) that is coughed up from the lungs and into the mouth.

By checking the blood culture you can find out whether the child has an infection.

However, because it is difficult to obtain sputum samples from children, this test is not routinely performed.

4. Pulse Oximetry

An oximeter is a small machine that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. To get this measurement, the doctor will attach a small sensor to your child’s finger or toe.

When the engine is running, a small red light can be seen on the sensor. The sensor is painless and the red light is not hot.

5. CT-Scan

This test takes pictures of structures in the chest, but is very rarely done.

6. Bronchoscopy

This procedure is used to look inside the airways of the lungs. Like a CT scan, this type of test is very rare.

7. Pleural Fluid Culture

This test takes a sample of fluid from the space between the lungs and chest wall (pleural space). Fluid can collect in this area due to pneumonia.

This fluid may be infected with the same bacteria as the lungs or the fluid may be caused by inflammation in the lungs.

What are the Complications of Pneumonia?

Even after receiving treatment, some people with pneumonia, especially those in high-risk groups, can experience complications, some of which are:

1. Bacteria in the Bloodstream (Bacteremia)

Bacteria that enter the bloodstream from the lungs can spread the infection to other organs, potentially causing organ failure.

2. Difficulty Breathing

If pneumonia is severe or if there is underlying chronic lung disease, people with pneumonia may have difficulty breathing enough oxygen and may need to use a ventilator.

3. Accumulation of Fluid Around the Lungs (Pleural Effusion)

Pneumonia can cause fluid to build up in the thin space between the layers of tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity (pleura).

If the fluid becomes infected, it will need to be drained through a chest tube or removed surgically.

4. Lung Abscess

An abscess can occur if pus forms in a cavity in the lung, this condition is usually treated with antibiotics.

Sometimes, surgery or drainage with a needle or long tube placed into the abscess is necessary to remove the pus.

How to Treat Pneumonia in Children?

To diagnose pneumonia in children, the doctor will ask questions about how your child is feeling, including how well he or she is breathing.

Then, the doctor will examine and listen to the child’s chest with a stethoscope. Through the stethoscope the doctor can hear the sound of breathing entering the lungs.

If there is fluid in the lungs, which is a sign of pneumonia, the doctor will be able to hear a crackling sound when the child breathes.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will ask for an X-ray of your child’s chest.

With an X-ray, the doctor can see the buildup of fluid. Usually a white cloudy spot appears in the lungs on the X-ray results.

In some cases, an X-ray can help the doctor know whether the infection is caused by a virus or bacteria.

When pneumonia is caused by bacteria, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

If the child has difficulty taking medication, antibiotics will be given through an IV line.

While antibiotics will not work on pneumonia caused by viruses .

Children are usually given fever-reducing medication.

Spraying a saltwater (saline) solution in your child’s nose can also help thin the mucus.

In addition, you can also use a humidifier at home.

Whatever the cause, the most important thing is to get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids, so that your child can recover quickly.

How Long Does Pneumonia Take to Cure?

If your child is diagnosed with pneumonia, it is important to follow the treatment plan your doctor gives you and monitor your child’s condition and try to prevent the infection from spreading to others.

It is important for people with pneumonia to take their medications as prescribed.

If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, make sure to take the medicine until it is finished.

In most cases, pneumonia patients may start to feel better before all the medication is used up, but the medication must still be finished.

Stopping taking medication too soon than recommended can cause the infection to return and the body may develop antibiotic resistance, making further treatment more difficult.

It can take a long time to recover from pneumonia. Some people feel better and can return to their normal routines within 1 to 2 weeks.

But for others, pneumonia treatment may take a month or more.

Most people will also continue to feel tired for about a month after recovering from pneumonia.

How to Prevent Pneumonia?

There are several ways to prevent pneumonia in children. First, is with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV).

PCV is a type of pneumococcal vaccine and conjugate vaccine used to protect children and adults from disease caused by the bacteria streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).

In addition, the flu vaccine can also protect children from pneumonia, especially in children who have asthma or other lung conditions.

Getting enough rest is also very important, as lack of sleep can make it more difficult for the immune system to fight infections.

What else? Don’t forget to wash your child’s hands , of course.

Regularly washing hands with soap and water can prevent children from getting the flu or cough through bacteria and viruses that can cause pneumonia.

So, always keep your child’s hands clean, Mom.

Experiences Related to Pneumonia in Children

Sad stories of pneumonia in children are also often found on the websitetheAsianparent Community.

Like the story of Mom Eka Larassaty who asked for prayers for healing because her 1 month 22 day old child had pneumonia.

The post also received responses from thousands of parents who told about their health conditions. 

“ Hopefully your baby will get well soon. Yesterday my child was just discharged from the hospital due to pneumonia (caused by fluid in the lungs that can cause lung infections) my child was in the hospital for 1 week, thank God he has improved. Hopefully your baby will also get well soon, aamiin ,” wrote Mom Darmayasari Latief.

“ Get well soon, honey. My 1-month-old baby also has pneumonia and is often short of breath, the doctor said it was because of cigarette smoke, but I live in an environment that is far from cigarette smoke and no one smokes at home. So I’m confused whether my child really has that or has another illness :'(( ,” said Mom Cattleya.

Meanwhile, Mother with the account Miya revealed the hidden causes of pneumonia that Parents rarely know. She also told this based on her personal experience.

” There is one thing that we often don’t know, if the baby spits up, don’t pick him up right away, let the baby finish spitting up before cleaning him, sometimes there are mothers whose babies spit up and immediately reflexively pick him up. Because if the reflex is to pick up a baby who spits up, it can cause the spit up to go into the lungs and that is also one of the causes of pneumonia. That’s what my pediatrician said ,” explained Mom Miya.

” My child just choked, but it wasn’t because of pneumonia. Luckily I found out quickly and rushed him to the emergency room so I found out quickly. If I’ve read that it can cause a fever, thank God my child didn’t have a fever , “he added.

” Some of his lips were already black and his grok-grok voice was a little louder, Mom. That’s all my child did, Mom ,” Mom Miya recalled.

“ Positive pneumonia, Mom. But on the 5th day, the DSA changed my child’s sleeping position and there was no change in voice, so I was told to see an ENT doctor to find out where the gurgling sound was coming from, after being checked again, the ENT doctor diagnosed my child with laryngomalacia with the characteristics that were there. Alhamdulillah, after 9 days of treatment, my child’s pneumonia has been cured, now all that remains is to cure the laryngomalacia ,” explained Mom Miya.

Mom Miya’s story was apparently experienced by Mom Cattleya. Her child once had pneumonia due to choking.

” Yes, it turns out that my child had aspiration pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs because he choked or something while drinking, so it went into his lungs, which is why the inflammation occurred. The doctor said that you shouldn’t breastfeed while lying down, the baby must be in a sitting position. Then if he is, he must be burped first, and carried upright for about half an hour. Then my child also became sensitive to cold or strong winds, he immediately felt short of breath :'( but thank God he is starting to get better now, and we just got out of the hospital. Please pray for him, hopefully his condition will get better and he will recover quickly 🙂 ,” she said.

There are many experiences of mothers related to pneumonia in children. If parents are curious about their stories, they can be read at theAsianparent Community .

Popular Questions Regarding Pneumonia in Children

Pneumonia is a disease that should not be underestimated. Here we summarize some questions about the condition.

1. What can’t you eat with pneumonia?

There are several foods that pneumonia patients should avoid.

For example, processed meat, white bread, fried foods, frozen food , broccoli, animal milk products, salt, sweet foods or drinks, chocolate, chips, and coffee.

2. Can pneumonia in children be contagious?

In general, pneumonia is not contagious. However, upper respiratory viruses and bacteria can cause it.

When these germs are in a person’s mouth or nose, that person can spread the disease through coughing and sneezing.

The germs that cause pneumonia are usually inhaled and that is what is called contagious.

Additionally, pneumonia can spread through the blood, especially during and immediately after birth.

3. How is pneumonia transmitted?

WHO notes that pneumonia can spread in several ways. For example, viruses and bacteria can spread through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing.

Pneumonia can also spread through the blood, especially during and immediately after birth.

Further research needs to be done on the various pathogens that cause pneumonia and how they are transmitted, as this is crucial for treatment and prevention.

4. What is the difference between TB and pneumonia?

TB can present as an acute process and mimic classic bacterial pneumonia or masquerade as atypical pneumonia.

The main difference between tuberculosis and pneumonia is that tuberculosis is a lung infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis , while pneumonia is a lung infection caused by a virus or bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae .

In addition, tuberculosis mainly attacks the lungs, skeletal system, and urinary tract, while pneumonia only attacks the lungs.

5. Can pneumonia in children recur?

The study found that about 8% of children experienced repeated pneumonia.

Recurrent pneumonia is defined as 2 or more episodes of pneumonia in one year, or 3 episodes separated by a month-long asymptomatic period.

Pneumonia most often recurs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis , immunocompromised, and tumors.

That’s the information related to pneumonia in children. If Parents find some of the signs in their little one, consult an expert immediately.

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Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia