If your child experiences fever, chills, and breathing difficulty, pneumonia might be to blame. Seeing a board-certified pediatrician at Newport Children’s Medical Group, with locations in Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Laguna Beach, California, can help your child make a full recovery. Schedule an appointment over the phone at the first sign of pediatric pneumonia symptoms.
Pediatric Pneumonia Q & A
What is pediatric pneumonia?
Pediatric pneumonia is an infection in your child’s lungs. It can be dangerous and even life-threatening if left untreated, but with proper treatment, your child can make a full recovery.
About 4% of children in the United States develop pneumonia, with the highest incidence occurring in babies under age one.
What are the signs & symptoms of pneumonia (respiratory infection)?
The following signs and symptoms can indicate your child has pneumonia.
- Labored breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Chills
- Wheezing
- A worsening cough
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea
- Fatigue
These symptoms might be mild, moderate, or severe. Treatment can relieve pneumonia symptoms and prevent serious complications – especially in babies and young children.
What causes bacterial, fungal, or viral pneumonia in children?
Pediatric pneumonia can result from bacteria, fungi, or viruses like respiratory syncytial virus. Your child might first develop a cold or flu prior to getting pneumonia. Young children and those with weak immune systems have a higher risk of developing pneumonia.
At the first sign of pneumonia symptoms, see the specialists at Newport Children’s Medical Group to have your child evaluated.
How is pneumonia diagnosed?
To diagnose pneumonia (pneumonia diagnosis), your pediatrician asks questions about your child’s symptoms and completes a physical exam. They listen to your child’s breathing and might use blood tests, chest X-rays, or pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels in their blood.
How is pediatric pneumonia treated?
To treat pneumonia, Newport Children’s Medical Group specialists often prescribe antibiotics. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids, gets a lot of rest, and takes all medications as prescribed. Be aware of signs of dehydration, such as dark-colored urine and less frequent urination.
Your pediatrician might recommend taking cough medicine or over-the-counter fever reducers to alleviate symptoms while your child recovers.
Critical Care Services for Pneumonia in Children at Newport Children’s
Health care provider Newport Children’s Medical Group offers pediatric urgent care services for young patients with pneumonia. Children younger than three months old might receive intravenous antibiotics, rehydration therapy, or oxygen treatment in the hospital. With proper medical intervention, most children with pediatric pneumonia fully recover.
Contact Us If You See Signs of Pneumonia in Your Child
At the first sign of pneumonia, get your child evaluated by the expert team of pediatricians at Newport Children’s Medical Group. Schedule a primary care appointment for your child over the phone today.