English (US)

    Pneumonia

    Updated at August 14th, 2023

    Disclaimer [ENGLISH]

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    DisclaimerThis material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.

     

    What is pneumonia?

    • An infection in the lungs that can be mild or serious.
    • The most common causes are bacterial, viral, and fungal.

     

    What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

    • Your child may cough up mucus.
    • Your child may have a fever with a cough.
    • Your child may have a hard time breathing.
    • Your child may make a whistling noise when breathing.
    • Your child may say that their chest hurts when they breathe or cough.
    • Your child may have a cough and seem more tired than normal. 

    How is it diagnosed?

    • Your child’s provider will ask you about what symptoms your child is having.
    • Examining your child, especially listening to their lungs and checking their oxygen level.
    • Your child’s provider may want to order additional tests, but testing is not always needed. 

    How is it treated?

    • Your child may be given one or more medications to take.  
      • Antibiotics are only given if your child has a bacterial infection.
      • Sometimes children need to have breathing treatments with an inhaler or nebulizer.
    • Encourage your child to drink lots of fluids.
    • Encourage your child to rest and avoid strenuous activities.
    • Treat any fever as advised by your child’s provider. See Ibuprofen dosage table and Tylenol dosage table.

    How can I prevent it?

    • Make sure your child’s vaccines are up-to-date.  
    • Encourage lots of hand washing.  
    • Try to avoid sharing any food or beverages.  
    • Avoid others who are actively sick.

    Call your child’s provider if:

    • If your child is not improving with treatment.
    • If your child is having trouble breathing.  
    • If your child cannot stay adequately hydrated.
    • If your child develops new symptoms.
    • If your child’s symptoms worsen or you have other concerns. 

    This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org

    Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 07/2023