Pneumonia continues to pose a significant danger to people of all ages, but it can be especially dangerous for young children. In 2022, there were 1.2 million emergency room visits in the United States because of this respiratory condition alone.
One of the challenges of pneumonia is that it can develop quickly. Knowing the signs of pneumonia in kids can ensure that you get your child the fast help they need so that they can get through the illness with as little discomfort as possible. Here is what you need to know about pneumonia and what its development timeline looks like.
Understanding Signs of Pneumonia in Kids
Pneumonia is an infection that causes swelling in the air sacs of one or both lungs. The sacs can fill with pus or fluid, resulting in a wet cough, along with fever, chills, and breathing difficulties. Numerous organisms can lead to the development of pneumonia, but viruses and bacteria are the most common.
Bacterial pneumonia is most frequently the result of exposure to Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can impact all or just one part of the lung, leading to lobar pneumonia. Other forms of bacteria can lead to milder signs of pneumonia in kids because they cause atypical pneumonia.
The same viruses that lead to the common cold and influenza can cause pneumonia as well. Additionally, exposure to certain fungi can also result in this problem.
The Stages of Pneumonia Symptoms
When monitoring symptoms of pneumonia in children, understanding the progression of the illness is critical. Like many other respiratory conditions, pneumonia can progress through various stages that your child may experience. These stages can be broken down into congestion, red hepatization, gray hepatization, and resolution.
Stage One: Congestion
The first stage occurs within 24 hours of infection. During this stage, your child’s air sacs start to fill with fluid. There may already be a significant amount of bacteria or viruses present, and the immune system will send additional blood flow to the lungs. This can result in swollen airways that make it difficult for your child to breathe.
Some of the earliest signs of pneumonia in kids are a mild cough and fatigue. An overall feeling of being run down is common. You may notice that your child is not playing as they usually do or is fussier than normal if they’re very young.
Stage Two: Red Hepatization
The next stage begins after 48 to 72 hours of exposure to the infection. Red blood cells collect in the airways, along with white blood cells and even cellular debris. This makes it much more difficult for your child to breathe. The affected lung may be much drier and granular than it should be, making it tougher for the air sacs to function.
The stage two signs of pneumonia in kids can include even more fatigue and coughing, though there’s generally less mucus. Red hepatization can last between two and four days.
Stage Three: Gray Hepatization
This stage is called gray hepatization because the damaged red blood cells your child will have in the affected lung give the organ a gray hue. Gray hepatization typically occurs anywhere from day four to six of the infection and lasts for about four to eight days.
During stage three, a particular type of immune cell called a macrophage enters the lungs. Your child can experience more serious breathing difficulties that could lead to the development of a blue tinge to their lips and fingertips. They can also experience dizziness and shallow breathing. In severe cases, confusion can occur.
If you notice that your child is gasping for air or is very weak, this could point to life-threateningly low blood oxygen levels. Speak with your child’s pediatric pulmonary specialist immediately to know what to do.
Stage Four: Resolution
Between days eight and ten, your child can begin stage four. This is the recovery phase and involves immune cells and enzymes fighting the infection, reducing swelling, and making it easier for the air sacs in the lungs to function better. The macrophages begin clearing pus as well.
Your child should start feeling better and have more energy. They may still struggle to breathe after strenuous activity until the infection fully clears. It’s also normal for them to have productive coughing, since that’s the body’s way of clearing the accumulated debris and fluid. After a severe bout of pneumonia, your child may have scars on the affected lung.
It’s essential that your child doesn’t stop taking the prescribed antibiotics until their pediatrician says so. Not completing an antibiotic regimen could allow the pneumonia to return.
How Is Pneumonia Treated in Children?
The exact cause of your child’s pneumonia will determine which treatment will be most effective. Viral pneumonia doesn’t generally require any medications, for example, though antivirals may be prescribed if your child is really struggling to clear the infection. For bacterial pneumonia, your child will likely receive antibiotics.
Additionally, if your child isn’t getting enough air, they may need oxygen therapy. It can be done via a mask or tube, depending on the severity of the condition. IV fluids may also be required to treat or prevent dehydration.
Relying on fever reducers like ibuprofen can be very helpful, as can ensuring that your child is drinking significant amounts of water. Using a humidifier in their room can assist as well.
At any stage, if you notice a serious change in your child or they’re displaying distressed breathing, getting fast medical help is essential. This is particularly important if they lose consciousness or their lips start turning blue.
Protecting Your Child’s Health With Help From Newport Children’s Medical Group
Seeing your child struggling to breathe can be a highly stressful experience for parents. By knowing the signs of pneumonia in kids and understanding the various stages the illness can go through, parents can work closely with their doctor to ensure their child receives the care they need for a smooth recovery.
At Newport Children’s Medical Group, our skilled pediatric pulmonologists have treated children in California for a wide range of respiratory conditions, including pneumonia, for over 45 years. Contact our team to schedule an appointment and learn more about our advanced treatment options today.