Children are prone to infections like the common cold, flu, fever, etc. Some children may recover quickly from cold or flu episodes, and some may require more time. This could be due to the severity of the infection and the child’s immunity. If a child continues to suffer from intense cold and fever despite medications, could it be pneumonia? How do you differentiate between the two? Read on to find out.
Pneumonia is a type of acute respiratory illness that affects the lungs. During this infection, the small sacs in the lungs that should fill with air when a child breathes are filled with fluids and pus, thus making it difficult to breathe freely. The symptoms are very similar to those of a common cold but are more severe.
Pneumonia is the most common cause of deaths in children < 5 years of age. It can affect people of all age groups but is more prevalent among children below 5 years of age and older. Deaths among children related to pneumonia are the highest in Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Unlike the popular belief, pneumonia is not caused by going out in the cold or by eating cold or frozen foods. Pneumonia is caused by a virus or bacteria that spreads from person to person through fluid droplets. When an infected child coughs or sneezes, the fluid droplets that come out will contain the bacterium or virus, when another child comes in contact with this bacteria or virus through touch or breathing it in, the infection can spread.
Pneumonia is more prevalent among young children, especially in cold weather, as the cold air can dry out the mucous membranes that are responsible for fighting pathogens. A young child has a weak immune system and tends to spend more time indoors in close contact with others during harsh weather conditions. Pneumonia in children is both fully curable and preventable.
Pneumonia symptoms are very similar to those of the common cold or flu. Children will have a blocked nose, mucus, cough and fever in pneumonia, just like with the flu. When a child continues to suffer from these symptoms for more than a week or despite medications and also has the following, it can indicate pneumonia:
● Severe chest congestion
● Breathing difficulty or laboured breathing
● A persistent cough that seems to get worse over time
● Chest pain
● Wheezing, especially when lying down.
A doctor will study the symptoms, listen to the child’s lungs, and watch the child while taking deep breaths. If they suspect bacterial pneumonia, they will order a chest X-ray to get a better look at the lungs and level of congestion.
Pneumonia can have a strong impact on a child’s body and requires antibiotics for effective treatment. In most cases, doctors will prescribe oral antibiotics like amoxicillin dispersible tablets. For those who cannot afford expensive medications, inexpensive oral antibiotics are also available for this infection. Community health workers or government-run hospitals can provide the same.
If the pneumonia is causing weakness in the child, fluids can be administered intravenously. If the pneumonia is very severe, resulting in respiratory issues or difficulty in breathing, hospitalisation is necessary. Oxygen therapy or a ventilator may be required to help the child breathe properly.
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If your child has mild pneumonia or is showing symptoms of the infection, you can do the following to take care of them at home:
● Give timely medications to ensure the fever does not cross 101° F
● Ensure they get plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
● Let them get enough rest
● Avoid their exposure to tobacco smoke and irritants in the air
● Always consult the doctor before medicating your child.
Some effective ways to prevent pneumonia in children are:
1. Breastfeeding – Exclusive breastfeeding until a baby turns 6 months old is the recommendation by WHO and UNICEF. Breastmilk can help strengthen a baby’s immunity and provide antibodies to help fight infections.
2. Immunisations – Vaccinations help protect children from specific diseases. Ensure your child’s immunisation is up to date. Ask your paediatrician about the yearly flu vaccine and the pneumococcus vaccine for your child.
3. Nutrition – Following a good, nutritious diet will help strengthen the child’s immune system against infections, including pneumonia.
4. Hygiene – Teach children to wash their hands with soap and water and cover their noses and mouths when coughing or sneezing. Children should also avoid sharing utensils with other children as infections may spread. Limiting contact with sick people is also recommended.
5. Maintain Temperature – During cold weather, maintain the child’s body temperature with warm bedding at night and by opening up the curtains and windows during the day. Blocking or sealing the gaps in windows and doors that allow cold wind to enter the room can also prevent cold temperatures. The cold air can dry out the mucous membranes, thus making it harder for the body to fight off infections, including pneumonia.
Pneumonia in children is quite common worldwide. Though it contributes to the majority of deaths among children caused by an infection, it is completely preventable. Regular immunisations and timely diagnosis can help treat the infection effectively without causing any harm to the child.
1. What are the most effective ways to prevent pneumonia in children?
● Ensuring their immunisations are up to date, feeding them nutritious foods, keeping them warm in cold weather conditions, and limiting their exposure to other sick people and smokers can effectively reduce their risk of contracting pneumonia.
2. Can breastfeeding help prevent pneumonia in babies?
● Yes, exclusive breastfeeding till the baby turns 6 months old can help develop their immunity and strengthen their system to fight off infections like pneumonia.
3. How can a healthy diet prevent pneumonia in children?
● A healthy diet can improve the child’s immune system and help it fight pathogens causing pneumonia and other infections. The food children eat cannot directly prevent pneumonia but can strengthen their immune systems to fight better.
