In 2022, there were 1.2 million emergency room visits as a result of pneumonia. This respiratory illness can impact anyone, but those who are most at risk are children and the elderly. Babies can develop this disease, too, requiring prompt medical action to avoid some of the more serious complications.
There are classic pneumonia symptoms to look for if you think your child has the condition. Unfortunately, there are significant differences in how the illness presents in babies when compared to older children or adults. This makes spotting the issues much more difficult.
It’s important to understand how pneumonia can present in babies. By knowing how the condition impacts infants, you can catch warning signs earlier and take the necessary steps to offer your child the help they need. Learn more about pneumonia and how it affects babies.
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a respiratory condition that impacts the alveoli in the lungs. These are the air sacs where the majority of the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs.
As a result of pneumonia, the alveoli fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe and reducing the amount of oxygen in the blood. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi and can impact one or both lungs.
Although all types of pneumonia result in inflammation and trouble breathing, a bacterial infection will typically have symptoms that differ from a viral infection. Bacterial infections, for example, tend to cause high fevers.
Symptoms are also different for very young children. A baby with pneumonia might not have any signs of the condition until it has advanced and has become a medical emergency. If they do have signs of the illness, these can include:
- Coughing
- Fever
- Flushed skin
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of energy
- Rapid breathing
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
You may hear a grunting sound when your baby tries to breathe, and you may also notice that they are not urinating as often or in the same quantities as normal. It can be very difficult to feed them, and their crying could be different, too. If they’re fussier than normal or if they’re very lethargic, that could point to the need for a medical check-up.
Key Differences in the Presentation of Pneumonia in Babies
One of the biggest differences in pneumonia in babies as opposed to the illness in older children is symptom specificity. An older child may complain of headaches, chest pains, and muscle aches and could let you know that they’re struggling to breathe.
Babies, on the other hand, will only display a general sense of discomfort. This makes recognizing the condition more difficult, especially in its earliest stages.
Babies will not have as many localized signs of distress in their lungs as older children might. Instead, you may only notice rapid, shallow breathing and what’s known as “belly breaths.” These occur when their chest pulls in when they breathe. Grunting sounds are common, too.
Another concerning difference is the way pneumonia can become a systemic problem much more rapidly in babies than it can in older children. It can rapidly impact other organs besides the lungs, making treatment more complex.
Why Babies Are More Vulnerable to Pneumonia
Babies are particularly vulnerable to developing pneumonia for a number of reasons. One is that they have an immature immune system. They lack the antibodies and immune memory of older children, so it’s much easier for them to develop the condition and more difficult for them to fight it off.
They also have smaller airways. As soon as inflammation begins, it and the resulting mucus can block the passage of air, making it immediately difficult for them to receive the oxygen they need. To make matters worse, infants don’t have the lung reserve to compensate for breathing problems.
All of these factors combine to make the illness much more serious. Close monitoring and fast action could be necessary.
Treatments of Infant Pneumonia
If you notice any signs that your baby could be battling pneumonia, the first thing is to take them to a pediatric pulmonary specialist. This is not a condition you should allow to progress without assistance. You may be able to treat at home, but getting guidance is vital.
The specialist will perform a physical exam to get a better sense of whether the illness is bacterial or viral. This will dictate the treatment your child receives. For mild cases of bacterial pneumonia, your child will likely receive an antibiotic. Make sure to complete the full treatment course, even if your child starts feeling better.
Most types of viral pneumonia don’t require specialized medications, though there could be antiviral options for certain strains. The pediatrician will offer guidance about whether any over-the-counter medications can help with your baby’s discomfort.
For more severe cases, your child may need to be hospitalized. This can be necessary if the illness causes a high fever, they can’t take medicine, are having trouble breathing, or are vomiting.
They could require fluids and close monitoring to ensure the condition doesn’t worsen. If your child is having a significant amount of difficulty breathing, they may also need additional oxygen.
Above all, follow all of the pediatrician’s instructions during home care. You will need to provide a good amount of fluids and closely monitor their condition if there’s a fever. Make sure to take them to every follow-up appointment to ensure they’ve fully recovered.
Relying on Newport Children’s Medical Group for Your Baby’s Care
If your baby has developed pneumonia or you suspect they are showing early symptoms of the condition, it may be time to speak with a pulmonary expert. They can offer the guidance you need to prevent the illness from worsening and can provide antibiotics and other treatments, as required.
At Newport Children’s Medical Group, we offer an array of pediatric services to help address any concerns you may have. We also provide telemedicine options to make getting the help you need as easy as possible. Contact us at Newport Children’s Medical Group to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.