How to care for a child with pneumonia at home

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Dang Thi Ngoc Chuong - Pediatrician - Pediatrics - Neonatology, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
Pneumonia is a very common disease in young children, this disease can cause many dangerous complications for the child's respiratory system later on, even death. Children with pneumonia need to be properly treated at home or in the hospital, depending on the condition and appropriate instructions of the doctor after examination.

1. How to take care of children with pneumonia at home

Depending on the condition of pneumonia in the child, the doctor may prescribe hospitalization or treatment at home. When a child has signs of pneumonia (cough with phlegm, fever, wheezing, tired breathing...) parents need to take the child to a medical facility for examination, not buy antibiotics for the child to take. Parents need to know and follow some ways to take care of children with pneumonia at home below:
Reduce fever for children: Apply warm, if the child has a fever above 38.5 degrees, you need to take medicine as prescribed by the doctor, do not self-medicate. buy medicine for children to take. Back patting, helping children excrete sputum: Parents should pat the child's back to help circulate blood in the lungs, help sputum in the bronchi loosen and discharge more easily. Perform back patting before eating, or 2 hours after eating to avoid vomiting. Clap the left side and then the right side for about 3-5 minutes, do not hit the stomach, breastbone or spine Instruct the child to cough properly to help open the airway, push secretions out of the lungs.

2.Hygiene and diet for children with pneumonia

The right way to care for a child with pneumonia at home will help support effective treatment of the disease, parents need to ensure:
Clean nose and mouth by using a soft tissue to wipe away snot and drool. Old towels should not be reused to limit contamination and prevent bacteria from re-entering. Cleaning of children's houses, toys and utensils: parents need to clean their hands when taking care of and preparing food for children. . Diet for children with pneumonia should be rich in nutrients, soft, easy to digest and easy to swallow. Should be divided into small meals and eaten several times a day for children to absorb easily. You can use steamed kumquats with honey, steamed roses, ginger and lemon for children with pneumonia to drink to reduce symptoms of the disease.

3. How to prevent pneumonia for children

To prevent children from getting pneumonia, parents need to apply the following specific prevention measures:
Breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months, ensuring adequate and reasonable nutrition. Create a healthy living environment for children such as: no tobacco smoke, polluted dust, etc. Avoid exposing children to crowded public environments, especially sick people with signs such as sneezing, runny nose. , sore throat, cough. Actively wear masks for children, wash hands often... Give children full vaccinations, on schedule. Early detection of respiratory diseases in children such as cough, fever, runny nose, difficulty breathing... and other disorders such as diarrhea, poor appetite, slow weight gain... for care and treatment timely. Do not be subjective with these signs because this is the premise of causing pneumonia.

4. When should a child with pneumonia be taken to the hospital?

Children with pneumonia need to be hospitalized for timely examination and treatment if the following signs are found:
Chest concave; Exhausted breathing, bulging nostrils, cyanosis; Wheezing or wheezing when lying still; Inability to drink, convulsions or lethargy difficult to awaken. Pneumonia in children is a common but dangerous disease, which can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated properly, so early detection and timely treatment are very meaningful.
At home, parents should also add some supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins,... needs nutrients while supporting the immune system, enhancing resistance, reducing the risk of upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, flu,...
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