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What is pneumonia?Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by any one of a number of viruses and bacteria. The lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid, causing a cough and making it harder to breathe. It isn’t very common in children under five (NHS 2008, Tidy 2009).
How will I know if my baby has pneumonia?Pneumonia can develop suddenly in a day or two, or more slowly over several days (NHS 2008). Sometimes it’s difficult to know if it’s just a bad cold. A cough is often one of the first signs. Take your baby to a doctor if:
- she has a bad cough and is coughing up mucus
- she seems generally unwell
- she has lost her appetite
- she has a worsening cough, which may bring up yellow, brown or blood-stained mucus
- she has a fever of 38 degrees C or higher
- she has had less than half of her usual amount of fluids over the past 24 hours
- she is wheezing (a coarse, whistling sound as she breathes)
- she is breathing in a rapid and shallow way, with the skin between her ribs, above her collarbone, or below her rib cage sucking in with each breath
- she has blue lips and fingernails (BTS 2002, NHS 2008)
How is pneumonia diagnosed?The doctor will listen to your baby’s lungs with a stethoscope to check for fluid and any crackling sounds. He will also check your baby’s heart rate and breathing, and ask you about any other symptoms.
Your doctor may suggest your baby has a chest X-ray in hospital if she seems particularly unwell. This will show how much her lungs have been affected. Your baby may also have a blood test or a mucus test to find out whether her pneumonia is viral or bacterial.
How is pneumonia treated?If your doctor thinks your baby’s pneumonia is mild then she can be treated at home. Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics. Viral pneumonia will go away on its own as your baby’s immune system fights the virus (CKS 2007).
Without going to hospital for tests, it’s difficult to know which kind of pneumonia your baby has. You can also try other treatments to help ease your baby’s discomfort:
- Make sure your baby gets plenty of rest.
- Give your baby infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen to bring down her fever, but only if she is three months or older (CKS 2008, NHS 2008). Check the dosage information on the bottle, or ask your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure about how much to give your baby.
- Your baby can easily become dehydrated if her congested airways and cough are making it hard for her to drink (NHS 2008, Tidy 2009). Encourage your baby to take extra breast or bottle feeds. She can have water too if she is formula-fed or on solids.
If your baby’s pneumonia is more severe, she is likely to need treatment in hospital. Remember that a severe case can either come on quickly, or can develop more slowly over a few days. So keep an eye on your baby for signs she is getting worse. She may need to go to hospital if she's having trouble feeding or breathing.
Hospital treatment will make sure your baby is getting enough fluids and enough oxygen (BTS 2002, CKS 2007).Your baby may be given antibiotics through an intravenous drip. She may also need fluids through a drip if she is very dehydrated. If she’s having trouble breathing and the level of oxygen in her blood is low, she may be given extra oxygen through a face mask (BTS 2002, CKS 2007, NHS 2008).
What can I do to prevent my baby from getting pneumonia in the future?To boost your baby’s chances of staying healthy and reduce her chances of getting pneumonia:
- Make sure your baby has her vaccinations. The pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) protects against some causes of pneumonia, meningitis and septicamia (blood poisoning). Also the Hib, diphtheria, and whooping cough vaccines are all important in preventing diseases which can lead to pneumonia (BTS 2002).
- Practise good personal hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and wash your hands and your baby’s hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
- Create a smoke-free environment. If you or your partner smokes, give up. Babies who live around cigarette smoke become ill more often and are more susceptible to illnesses such as pneumonia, colds, asthma, and ear infections (BTS 2002).
CKS. 2007. NHS Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Clinical topic – Cough: acute with chest signs in children. www.cks.nhs.uk [Accessed February 2010]
MHRA. 2009. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Children’s over-the-counter cough and colds medicines: new advice.  [Accessed February 2010]
NHS. 2008. NHS Choices, Health A-Z. Pneumonia.  [Accessed February 2010]
Tidy C. 2009. Pneumonia Patient UK.  [Accessed February 2010]