Children and Pneumonia

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It causes mucus (phlegm) to collect in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. This makes it hard for the oxygen to pass from the airways to the blood.

Pneumonia can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral pneumonia is more common. It is usually milder, but can last 2-4 weeks. Bacterial pneumonia usually comes on suddenly, even within a few hours.

How can I tell if my child has pneumonia?

A child with pneumonia may have:

• a fever (greater than 38 degrees C or 100.4 F), with or without chills
• a cough
• trouble breathing
• fast breathing
• pain in the chest when breathing
• skin pulling in around the ribs and/or neck (retractions)
• less energy than usual

Your doctor can tell if your child has pneumonia by:

• asking about your child's symptoms
• listening to your child's chest with a stethoscope
• taking a chest x-ray and/or blood tests if needed

How did my child get pneumonia?

Pneumonia often occurs after another illness, such as a cold, or if a person has been in contact with a virus or bacteria. It can also happen if something such as a peanut or vomit (throw-up) enters the lungs.

What should I do if my child has pneumonia?

• See your doctor.
• If your child appears very sick, go to the nearest emergency department.
• Give medicine to your child if your doctor tells you to. Bacterial pneumonia usually improves within 48-72 hours after antibiotics are started. Viral pneumonia will not improve with antibiotics. Because it is hard to tell the difference bacterial and viral pneumonia, antibiotics are often used for children with viral pneumonia.
• If your child has a fever of chest pain, give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol, Tempra) to help your child feel more comfortable. Follow the directions on the bottle, or those given by your doctor, for the right amount and how often you may repeat it.

Remember: Keep medicine in a child-resistant container and locked up. Do not give products containing aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) to children. ASA can increase the risk of Reye's syndrome, a serious condition that can damage the liver and brain.

• Encourage your child to drink warm fluids. This helps relax the airways and loosen thick mucus.
• Do not expose your child to cigarette smoke, even in your own house or car. Smoke makes coughing and breathing worse.
• Give chest care treatments if advised by your doctor or health professional. This will help loosen and get rid of mucus from the lungs.

When should my child go back to the doctor?

See your doctor if your child:

• has more difficult or painful breathing
• is unable to sleep due to coughing
• is not drinking fluids
• has a fever that lasts over 48 hours when on antibiotics
• if you are worried for any other reason

It is important to return to your doctor for a follow-up if asked.

Call 911 for an ambulance or take your child to the nearest emergency department right away if:

• your child is having more trouble breathing
• the retractions become worse (skin pulling in around the ribs and/or neck)
• the lips become bluish
• you hear "grunting" sounds when your child breathes

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Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)