The Pediatrics Center: All You Need to Know About Pediatric Pneumonia

Pneumonia is the infection of the lings that was extremely dangerous for children in the past, but there are many options available to help prevent and treat pneumonia nowadays so the recovery is easy with proper medical intervention. The types of viruses causing pneumonia are influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza. Pneumonia can also be caused by bacterial infections. The virus or bacteria can be spread from one person to another through direct contact with the mucus or saliva of the infected person and via coughing. Pneumonia is a common medical problem happening to children during fall, winter, and early spring when children spend more time indoors with closer contact with other people.

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia include fever, coughing, sweating, chills, fast and labored breathing, wheezing, widening of the nostrils, and bluish tint of the lips or nails. Chest x-ray helps in determining the extent of lung infection. Avoid giving your child over-the-counter cough suppressants like dextromethorpan because coughing is needed to clear the excessive secretions produced by the lungs, and viral infection does not need any specific treatment other than fever control and rest. It is important to follow the exact dosage of antibiotics prescribed by the pediatrician and never discontinue even if your child feels better to prevent recurrence. You need to have your child checked by a trusted and experienced pediatrician such as one in Summit Pediatrics NJ at The Pediatric Center as soon as you are suspecting pneumonia.

If your child shows fever lasting for more than a few days despite antibiotics intake, breathing difficulties, or evidence of other body part infection (swollen joints, neck stiffness, bone pain, and vomiting), you have to check back with the pediatrician immediately. Prevention is better than cure so have your child vaccinated against pneumococcal infections. The administration of pneumococcal conjugate or PCV13 is usually at four, six, and twelve to fifteen months. For children at high risk of developing invasive pneumococcal infection such as those with sickle cell anemia, heart disease, lung disease, kidney failure, organ transplant, or HIV, they need pneumococcal polysaccharide or PPV23 from 24 to 29 months of age.

You’ll always find trusted and experienced pediatricians in New Jersey, and The Pediatric Center also offers providence childbirth classes for expecting moms. Come and check their other details here. Children are precious gifts and we need to take good care of them, most especially their health, so if you suspect pneumonia, contact a pediatrician right away. Always remember that the Pediatric Center is always available to help you.