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