Pneumonia in Children

Pneumonia is an acute infection that affects the lung. Even though majority of cases are mild, sometimes it can be severe and can lead to serious complications. Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in children which accounts for 14 percent of death in children. So early diagnosis and treatment is essential and lifesaving.

The lungs are made up of small sacs called alveoli, which fill with air when a healthy person breathes. When child gets pneumonia, the alveoli are filled with secretions and inflammatory fluids which makes breathing painful, difficult and limits oxygen intake.

Causes
Pneumonia can be caused by different infectious agents like viruses, bacteria fungi or parasites. Most common bacteria include streptococcus, H influenza and staphylococcus.  

It can also be caused by viruses like respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus.

Spread
Pneumonia can spread in several ways. Main route is the spread via air-borne droplets from a cough or sneeze of infected person. So direct inhalation of infectious particles in the air can lead to pneumonia. It can also be due to direct extension of infection from the upper airways or through blood stream. It can also be spread through hands after touching infected secretions.

Symptoms

Main symptoms of pneumonia include fever, breathlessness, cough, fast breathing, low oxygen levels and poor feeding. some viral pneumonia can present with wheezing.

Children with malnutrition, poor immunity, underlying disease like cardiac illness and chronic illness have more chance of getting pneumonia and progress to severe illness.

Treatment

Treatment includes supportive measures like hydration, control of fever, oxygen therapy if low oxygen levels and bronchodilators if needed. Specific treatment includes antibiotics or antiviral agents based on the cause. Severe cases need hospitalization and may need ICU care.

Prevention

Preventing pneumonia in children is an essential component of a strategy to reduce child mortality. Immunization against organisms causing pneumonia like H Influenza B, pneumococcus, measles, Influenza and whooping cough is the most effective way to prevent pneumonia.

Adequate nutrition is another important factor which promotes the child’s immunity to fight against these organisms.  This includes exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and proper weaning and a healthy and balanced diet.

Addressing environmental factors such as indoor air pollution and encouraging good hygiene especially hand hygiene also reduces the number of children who fall ill with pneumonia. Health education for the parents and kids regarding the symptoms of pneumonia, modes of spread and preventive measures also is an effective way to control the burden of pneumonia.

Dr. Aji Mathew, Consultant Pediatrician