When your child is sick with an upper respiratory infection, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You may not know all of the available treatment options and which ones to try first. That’s why seeing a pediatric pulmonologist is so important.
Not all pneumonia is created equal. Viral vs. bacterial pneumonia manifests slightly differently and requires different treatments. Getting the wrong treatment can prolong your child’s illness.
You’re on your way to helping your little one feel better. Here’s what you need to know about viral vs. bacterial pneumonia — and how to get them treated.
Common Pneumonia Symptoms
Pneumonia is known for causing:
- Hacking cough
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing
- Rapid, shallow breaths
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Congestion
- Expectoration (coughing up and spitting out mucus)
Upon examination with a stethoscope, your child’s lungs will likely produce a crackling or wheezing sound, indicating a respiratory infection.
Since these symptoms overlap with so many other illnesses, it’s essential to get your child examined by a pediatric pulmonologist.
Two Root Causes: Viral vs. Bacterial Pneumonia
Viruses and bacteria are two distinct pathogens. Each type of pneumonia requires a different treatment plan to get your little one feeling their best again.
Viral infections are highly contagious and spread easily from child to child. This usually happens during “peak season” (November through February) in schools and daycares.
Bacterial lung infections, like bacterial pneumonia, won’t resolve on their own. Your child needs antibiotics to clear the disease and return to normal lung function.
Viral Pneumonia Can Cause Bacterial Pneumonia
Here’s where it gets confusing. Viral pneumonia infections can lead to bacterial pneumonia in some cases.
This is especially puzzling if your child had a different virus to begin with (like influenza), and it led to them developing viral pneumonia.
The reason bacterial pneumonia is more likely after a viral disease is that your child’s lungs and immune system are weaker. Bacteria have an easier time taking over one of your child’s lungs at this stage.
Since bacterial pneumonia symptoms mirror viral respiratory symptoms, you may think your child is simply still getting over their original sickness. Professional evaluation is key in these instances.
How to Identify Between Viral vs. Bacterial
Finding out if your child has viral vs. bacterial pneumonia requires professional help. Oftentimes, medical professionals will perform a series of tests to figure this out. They may listen to your child breathe through a stethoscope, order X-rays, and take bacterial cultures.
Diagnosing Viral Pneumonia in Pediatric Patients
During a stethoscope exam, children with viral pneumonia tend to produce strained breathing sounds in both lungs. Viral infections affect their lungs more uniformly rather than being one-sided. The doctor may order an X-ray just to make sure.
Confirming Bacterial Pneumonia Infections
Children with bacterial pneumonia often have more strained breathing in one lung than the other. This is a telltale sign when diagnosing viral vs. bacterial pneumonia infections. Your child’s doctor can then confirm the infection with X-rays and a pathogen test in the lab.
Viral Pneumonia: Treatments and Recommendations
If your child has a case of viral pneumonia, they likely just need standard care to feel better. Non-severe viral pneumonia often goes away on its own, just like many other respiratory viruses. However, pneumonia complications may call for more intense treatments.
Rest and Fluids
Your little one’s body is busy fighting off the viral infection, so they need plenty of hydration and rest. Try to keep your child in bed or on the couch while they recover. Offer relaxing activities like watching movies and coloring to keep them occupied.
If your child won’t drink plain water, offer pediatric electrolyte drinks or popsicles to keep them hydrated. You can also offer juice and broth as tasty alternatives.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Fever reducers like Tylenol and Ibuprofen also help relieve chest pain. If your little one has been coughing up a storm, chances are that they’ll benefit from over-the-counter pain relief. Always dose the medication safely according to the instructions on the box or bottle.
Antiviral Treated Medications
If your child’s viral pneumonia won’t go away on its own, their provider may prescribe antiviral drugs. These medications target the specific virus that’s causing the infection. If your kid is immunocompromised or has other health complications, they’re more likely to need antivirals.
Supportive Oxygen Therapy
Severe cases of viral pneumonia can drop children’s oxygen levels, requiring immediate supportive care. Many infants and young children who end up hospitalized with pneumonia receive oxygen therapy to raise their levels. Keep in mind that these are the most extreme cases, so it’s best not to worry right away.
Treatment and Care for Bacterial Pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia calls for antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria in your child’s body to treat the infection for good.
First, your provider will confirm that your child’s infection is bacterial. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to antibiotic resistance, so professionals take every step possible to avoid this.
Once you’ve picked up your child’s antibiotics, you should administer them exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses, even once your child is feeling better, as this can make the infection come back and require more intensive treatments.
How to Prevent Lung Infections in Children
The best way to prevent pneumonia is to get your child vaccinated. Children usually receive the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in a series of four doses. This normally happens under age five, but it’s never too late to vaccinate your little one and protect their health.
Other prevention measures include frequent handwashing and avoiding people who show respiratory symptoms. Schools, daycares, and camps are hotspots for viral health infections, like pneumonia and covid, so start practicing these steps as early as possible in your child’s life.
Get Answers at Newport Children’s Medical Group
Our pediatric pulmonologists are here to help keep you and your family safe from respiratory illnesses and health complications.
If you suspect your little one has pneumonia, now is the time to address it. We evaluate our pediatric patients by identifying symptoms and educating parents on the best healthcare treatment and evidence based prevention practices.
Get healthcare for your sick child by scheduling an appointment with us today!