Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Pneumonia

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: June 2002
Last Revision Date: June 2002

• What is pneumonia?
• What causes it?
• Who can get it?
• What are the signs and symptoms?
• Is it contagious?
• How is it treated?
• How long does it last?
• Can it be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is pneumonia?

• Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs.
• It can affect one or both lungs.

What causes it?

• It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, parasites, or fungi.
• It is usually caused by a virus.
• It often begins after an upper respiratory tract infection (an infection of the nose and throat).

Who can get it?

• People with weak immune systems or chronic illnesses are more likely to get pneumonia.
• Children who were born early are at higher risk of having more severe symptoms.
• It is spread more easily in schools and day care.
• Young children and people over age 65 are at highest risk.
• People who smoke or abuse alcohol are at higher risk.

What are the signs and symptoms?
Symptoms may be different depending on the child's age and the cause. They are often similar to that of a cold or the flu. Symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Shaking, chills, sweating
• Cough, coughing up phlegm
• Rapid breathing
• Wheezing
• Sucking in between the ribs with each breath
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Little energy, feeling very tired
• Loss of appetite (older children)
• Poor feeding (infants)
• Bluish or gray color to the lips or nails

Is it contagious?

• Yes. Pneumonia is contagious.
• It can be spread by coughing, sneezing, and sharing eating utensils or glasses.
• It can be spread by direct contact with an infected person or indirect contact with items an infected person has touched.

How is it treated?

• Call the doctor immediately if you think your child has pneumonia.
• The doctor will examine your child.
• X-rays, blood tests, or other standard tests may be needed.
• Most cases can be treated at home with antibiotics.
• Give the medicine as instructed. Even if your child feels better, do not stop taking the medicine until the prescription is gone.
• Children with severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, may need to stay in the hospital.
• Children who have both pneumonia and a chronic illness may have to stay in the hospital.
• Give plenty of fluids. Do not force your child to eat if she doesn't feel well.
• If your child has a cough, ask your doctor if they recommend an over-the-counter medicine.
• If her chest hurts, put a heating pad or warm towel on her chest. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen also can help.
• Take your child's temperature every morning and night. Call the doctor if she has a high fever.
• After 4 to 6 weeks of treatment, your child should see the doctor again, even if she feels well. The doctor will make sure that she is better. If not, more tests may be needed to see what is causing the symptoms.
• Acetaminophen can be used to treat muscle aches and fever.

How long does it last?

• With treatment, pneumonia caused by bacteria can usually be cured in 1 or 2 weeks.
• Pneumonia caused by a virus often lasts longer.

Can it be prevented?

• Children usually get vaccines to help protect them against certain kinds of pneumonia.
• Some people should also receive the vaccine around age 65.
• Getting a flu vaccine may give added protection.
• Avoid close contact with a person who has an upper respiratory tract infection.
• If you have pneumonia, stay away from people with weak immune systems so they are not infected.
• Wash hands often.
• Avoid smoking and abusing alcohol.
• Do your best to stay healthy. Eat right, exercise, and get enough rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
• Take all medication as prescribed by your doctor. If you don't take it all, the infection may come back.

When should I call the doctor?

• Pneumonia can lead to death. Call the doctor immediately if your child has symptoms.
• Call the doctor if your child is having difficulty breathing, is breathing very fast, or if her lips and nails are a bluish or gray color.
• Call the doctor if your infant under 3 months old has a fever.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment or condition.

Quick Answers

• Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs.
• It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, parasites, or fungi.
• Young children and people over age 65 are at highest risk of getting certain kinds of pneumonia.
• Symptoms are often similar to that of a cold or the flu.
• It can be spread by coughing, sneezing, direct contact, and indirect contact.
• Call the doctor immediately if you think your child has pneumonia.
• Children usually receive routine vaccines to help protect them against pneumonia.
• Call the doctor if your child is having difficulty breathing, is breathing very fast, or if her lips and nails are a bluish or gray color.

References

• Columbia University College. Infectious Diseases: Lung Infections. (cited 2002 March 19).
• MayoClinic. What is Pneumoina? 2001 September 17 (cited 2002 March 19).
• Rutherford K. Pneumonia. KidsHealth. 2001 July (cited 2002 March 19).

See related Patient Topics Infections, Lungs and Breathing or Pneumonia.

See related Provider Topics Infections, Lungs and Breathing or Pneumonia.

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