Pneumonia, a viral or bacterial lung infection, features as filling of pus and other fluids in the lungs’ air sacs. The bacterial pneumonia can last for 1-2 weeks, while viral pneumonia takes 4-6 weeks to resolve. It can affect anyone, but most often it is seen in kids, probably being a cause of death for some children. For a parent or caretaker, being aware of the early signs indicating pneumonia in children is crucial so that appropriate action can be taken without delay. Continue reading to learn about these pneumonia signs to check for in your sick child. On noting these signs, seek a precise diagnosis for appropriate treatment with the Pediatrician in Delhi.
The Commonly Reported Early Signs of Pneumonia in Children
- Dry cough that later on comes with phlegm discharged from the lungs
- Tiredness, weakness, and less interest in physical activity
- Reduced appetite (in older kids) and poor feeding (in infants)
- Malaise- a general sense of sickness
- Moderate to high fever.
The Pneumonia Signs that Warrant a Rush to a Paediatrician
- Inward pulling of the chest skin between ribs during inhalation, leading to difficulty breathing.
- High fever
- Severe, persistent cough with phlegm
- Rapid, shallow breathing with wheezing/grunting sounds
- Chest or belly pain
- More nasal flaring
- Lethargy or irritability
- Vomiting.
What Help Is Available for Children with Pneumonia?
Children showing signs of pneumonia must seek medical attention. Over-the-counter cough and fever medications won’t be safe and helpful. A paediatrician can diagnose pneumonia by conducting a comprehensive physical exam to check for vital signs, breathing pattern, and physical appearance. The phlegm may be tested for the type of infection. A chest X-ray may be ordered to understand the extent of the condition.
In case a viral pneumonia is diagnosed, antiviral medicine is prescribed and if bacterial pneumonia, an antibiotic is prescribed. In a severe case of infection, the child may have to be hospitalised for proper care.
Some kinds of pneumonia are preventable with a vaccine, and so children must receive proper immunisation. Also, the causative agent of pneumonia can spread, and so measures must be taken to keep children away from the pneumonia-causing bacteria or virus exposure.
Where to Get Top-Notch Paediatric Care?
Dr. Promilla Butani is a topmost General Pediatrician in South Delhi who offers comprehensive, affordable paediatric care. She can be trusted for the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia in children.
