Understanding and Preventing Child Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a form of acute lower respiratory tract infection that occurs when viruses, bacteria, or other micro-organisms cause inflammation of the lungs.

When a patient has pneumonia, pus and fluid fill the alveoli in one or both lungs, interfering with oxygen absorption and making it difficult to breathe.

Types of Pneumonia

1. Bacterial pneumonia is caused by various bacteria.? The most common is streptococcus pneumoniae which occurs when the body is weakened in some way, such as illness, poor nutrition, or impaired immunity, and the bacteria can work their way into the lungs.
2. Viral pneumonia is caused by different viruses including influenza (flu) and is responsible for about one-third of all pneumonia cases.
3. Mycoplasma pneumonia has somewhat different symptoms and physical signs to other types of pneumonia and is sometimes referred to as “walking pneumonia” since symptoms tend to be milder than pneumonia caused by other germs. Caused by the bacterium mycoplasma pneumonia, it generally causes mild, widespread pneumonia that affects all age groups.

Causes

Most cases of pneumonia follow a viral respiratory tract infection. Pneumonia is typically caused by a virus or bacteria. Infection can be passed between people from direct contact (usually the hands) or inhaling droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing.

If a viral infection has weakened a child’s immune system, bacteria may begin to grow in the lungs, adding a second infection to the original one. Certain children whose immune defenses or lungs are weakened by other illnesses – such as cystic fibrosis, abnormalities in the immune system, or cancer – may be more likely to develop pneumonia.

Transmission

Pneumonia can be spread in several ways. The viruses and bacteria that are commonly found in a child’s nose or throat, can infect the lungs if they are inhaled. They may also spread via airborne droplets from a cough or sneeze. Early-onset pneumonia can be acquired from the mother during labor or delivery, with respiratory distress beginning at, or soon after birth. Because signs of pneumonia are non-specific in neonates, any newborn infant with sudden onset respiratory distress or other signs of illness should be assessed for pneumonia and sepsis.

Why are children vulnerable?

A healthy child has many natural defenses that protect its lungs from the invading pathogens that cause pneumonia. However, children and infants with compromised immune systems have weakened immune defenses. Undernourished children, particularly those not exclusively breastfed or with inadequate zinc intake are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia.

Similarly, children and infants suffering from other illnesses, such as AIDS or measles, are more likely to develop pneumonia. Environmental factors, such as living in crowded homes and exposure to parental smoking or indoor air pollution, may also have a role to play in increasing children’s susceptibility to pneumonia and its severe consequences.

Prevention

Key prevention measures include:

First, vaccinations help prevent children from developing infections that directly cause pneumonia, such as Haemophilus Influenzas Type B (Hib ). Second, immunizations may prevent infections that can lead to pneumonia as a complication (e.g. measles and pertussis).

Adequate nutrition: Undernourished children are at a substantially higher risk. Malnutrition weakens a child’s overall immune system, as adequate amounts of protein and energy are needed for proper immune system functioning. Undernourished children also have weakened respiratory muscles, which inhibits them from adequately clearing secretions found in their respiratory tract

Exclusive breastfeeding: It is widely recognized that children who are exclusively breastfed develop fewer infections and have less severe illnesses than those who are not.

Zinc: Children who lack sufficient amounts of specific micronutrients, particularly zinc, face additional risks of developing and dying from pneumonia.

Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia in children and infants

Common symptoms include:

• Rapid or difficulty breathing
• Cough
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Loss of Appetite

Treatment

Treating pneumonia depends on its likely cause and how ill the child is. The usual approach is to give antibiotics effective against bacterial and mycoplasma pneumonia. There is no effective treatment for viral pneumonia, which usually resolves on its own.

Other treatments may include:

• Appropriate diet
• Increase fluid intake
• Enough rest
• Cool mist humidifier in the child's room
• Nebulizer treatment
• Acetaminophen (for fever and discomfort)
• Medication for cough