Is pneumonia in babies dangerous?

The question was answered by Master, Resident Doctor Dang Thi Ngoan - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology, Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

Question: Hi doctor, my baby is 8 months old. Last week, the baby had a high fever, wheezing, sucked less and was very fussy. I took her to the doctor and was diagnosed with pneumonia and had to stay in the hospital for a few days for treatment. So let me ask if pneumonia in babies is dangerous? Thank you doctor.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai (30 years old, Linh Nam, Hoang Mai, Hanoi)
Answer:
Pneumonia is a common disease in infants and young children, most commonly in children under 3 years old (over 80%) , of which under 12 months is 65%.
Pneumonia is a condition in which the lungs are damaged due to the attack of bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi... They multiply, multiply and create bacterial infections in the lungs. There are four types of pneumonia: lobar pneumonia, lobar pneumonia, bronchitis, and lung abscess.

Causes of pneumonia in infants

Viruses are responsible for 80-85% of neonatal pneumonia cases, which can be a seasonal epidemic. Bacteria: S. pneumoniae, Hemophilus influenzae, S. aureus... Children who breathe in amniotic fluid, meconium during childbirth become infected with some bacteria H.Influenza, S.pneumonia, Cytomegalovirus, Klebsiella,.. Babies born prematurely, underweight, so their digestive system is not yet complete, so they often have gastroesophageal reflux, which also causes pneumonia. When breast-feeding, babies often vomit, spit, milk will go through the airways into the lungs. The more milk is inhaled, the more likely it is to cause pneumonia. Children with inflammatory skin diseases, umbilical cord inflammation can also cause pneumonia Children can become infected with bacteria from tools and the environment if they are not sterile while they are in the hospital. delivery, resuscitation and postpartum care The child's living environment is unsanitary: dirty water, polluted air, cigarette smoke, etc. Not to be warmed or warmed too carefully to cause sweating and not being wiped makes children susceptible to colds also causes pneumonia. Do not know how to take care of children, children are not fully vaccinated. The weather changes suddenly.

Is pneumonia in babies dangerous?

If a child has pneumonia that is detected early and treated promptly, there is nothing to worry about. Conversely, if not treated early can cause many complications. Therefore, when the child has any abnormal signs, you should take the child to the doctor as soon as possible.

Some complications of pneumonia

Meningitis
When the pneumonia turns severe, the bacteria attack strongly that the baby's body is not strong enough to resist.
If left for a long time, the disease can leave irreversible sequelae: neurological disorders, permanent brain damage, blindness, deafness, reduced mobility...
Blood infection
Bacteria have can enter the circulatory system causing sepsis and complications of septic shock. If the baby is not treated early, it can lead to death.
Empyema of the pleura
This is a dangerous complication that makes breathing difficult for the child, the white blood cells in the blood increase and the drug resistance begins to appear.
Pericardial effusion, heart failure
When a child has pneumonia, a child can also have pericardial effusion, heart failure, blood infection due to drug resistance, drug shock
Antibiotic resistance
If the baby has this complication, it will be very difficult. difficult to treat. At that time, it is necessary to combine many antibiotics for treatment, the cost and the ability to cure the disease will be lower.
Rickets, underdevelopment
Children with anorexia, not eating well will lead to rickets, malnutrition, impaired immune system

How to take care of a child with pneumonia so that the child can recover quickly and regain strength

Give your child liquid, soft, easy-to-digest foods. Breastfeed your baby to provide adequate nutrition and strengthen immunity. You can feed your baby many meals, give him plenty of water to loosen phlegm. Let him rest in a quiet place, lie down on his pillow. Be a little tall or lie on your back and sit, change positions often to reduce blood stasis in the lungs. Keep the child properly warm, do not wear tight, tight clothing The child's living place must ensure adequate light and ventilation. Avoid polluted places, dust, smoke, places where people are sick... Keep children's hygiene, before and after caring for children must wash their hands with soap. Baby care supplies and tools: cups, spoons, blankets, clothes, diapers... must be clean, dry and sterile. Before feeding, the baby's nose should be cleaned with physiological saline to clear the airway and prevent choking. Take the child for regular check-ups and keep the medical examination book so that the doctor can monitor the child's condition for appropriate treatment. Reduce fever for children: wipe the body with a warm towel for the child. If the child's fever is above 38.5 degrees, give the child fever-reducing medicine as prescribed by the doctor. Vibrating the baby to help loosen phlegm: Parents can do it before eating or 1 hour after eating How to do it: Cup your hand, keep the thumb pressed against the index finger. Pat the child's back on the lung area, patting the left side, then the right side, about 3-5 minutes each side.

Hope this article has answered your questions: is pneumonia in babies dangerous, as well as how to care for children with pneumonia. Hope your baby gets well soon.
Pediatrics Department at Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for receiving and examining diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to: viral fever, bacterial fever, otitis media, bronchitis , pneumonia in children, ....With modern equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread. Along with that is the dedication from the doctors with professional experience with pediatric patients, making the examination no longer a concern of the parents. To register for a child's examination at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can make an appointment on the website for service.

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