Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It affects the small airways and air sacs.
Pneumonia can be described by where and how your child was infected. Types include:
Infection in the Air Sacs of the Lungs
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Viruses, bacteria, or other germs most often cause pneumonia. Cold or flu viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children. Rarely, pneumonia can be caused by food, liquid, or other items that are inhaled.
The infection or inhaled substance causes irritation and swelling in the deeper areas of the lungs. Pus or other fluids can also build up in the area. The swelling and fluid make it difficult for oxygen to pass from the lungs to the blood.
Pneumonia is more common in children under the age of 5 years.
Factors that may increase your child’s chance of pneumonia include:
Pneumonia may cause respiratory symptoms, such as:
It may also cause nonrespiratory symptoms, such as:
You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The exam will evaluate your child’s breathing and lung sounds. Diagnosis will often be based on these findings.
The amount of oxygen may be measured with a small clip on your child’s finger (pulse oximetry). This will show how much the pneumonia is affecting the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the blood.
Other tests may be done to find the specific germ causing the pneumonia. Tests may include:
Imaging tests may also be done to see what areas of the lungs are affected. Tests may include:
Treatment of pneumonia depends on:
Treatment options may include:
Pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics. Antiviral medications may be used to help manage pneumonia caused by a virus.
Other medications may be used to help manage symptoms and keep your child more comfortable.
Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection. This is because of the risk of Reye syndrome. Ask your doctor which medications are safe for your child.
Hospitalization may be needed for children with severe pneumonia, or who are at high risk for severe pneumonia. Treatments in the hospital may include:
Hospitalization may also be needed to monitor children with weakened immune systems or whose infection has spread to the blood.
Certain vaccines can help prevent pneumonia. Talk to your child’s doctor about options for your child such as:
Some children may have a higher risk of pneumonia. Medication may be given to these children after a viral infection to help reduce their risk of pneumonia. For example, antibiotics may be given to prevent pneumonia in children with reduced immunity or certain underlying illnesses such as cystic fibrosis.
To decrease your child’s risk of any respiratory infection:
FamilyDoctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
Canadian Paediatric Society
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
Community-acquired pneumonia in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated February 7, 2014. Accessed February 27, 2014.
Dehydration. Nemours Kids Health website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/dehydration.html. Updated July 2013. Accessed February 19, 2014.
Pneumonia. Nemours Kids Health website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/pneumonia.html. Updated May 2011. Accessed February 19, 2014.
2/3/2015 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Rantala A, Jaakkola JJ, et al. Respiratory infections in adults with atopic disease and IgE antibodies to common aeroallergens. PLoS One. 2013;8(7):e68582.
Last reviewed September 2015 by Kari Kassir, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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