Parents need to be aware of pneumonia in children which can be characterized by early symptoms in the form of coughing and respiratory problems.This lung infection, if not treated properly, can cause serious disorder in children, even fatal, especially child age under five years.
The causes of pneumonia are quite diverse, ranging from bacteria, fungi, and a number of viruses. Even the flu virus can trigger pneumonia in children. Sometimes, these infections can also be severe enough to cause a condition called bronchopneumonia.
Immune System Immature
The immune system in children who are weak or not yet fully formed is not able to eradicate the initial mild infection, so the infection can spread to the lungs and cause pneumonia. Pneumonia in children can cause difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen intake.
Children who have a higher risk of developing pneumonia include:
- Infants who do not receive breast milk (ASI)
- Malnourished children
- Children with HIV
- Children with measles infection
- Not getting immunized
- Babies born prematurely
A number of environmental factors can also increase a child's risk of developing pneumonia, such as parents who smoke or live in densely populated settlements.
Beware of Symptoms Pneumonia in Children
Parents should not wait until the child droops limply to make sure that the child is really sick. When the child's breathing rhythm becomes fast, and the child seems uncomfortable when breathing, parents should immediately take him to the doctor. This can be a symptom of pneumonia.
Pneumonia in children can also be accompanied by some of the following symptoms.
- Cough with phlegm or dry cough.
- Nasal congestion.
- Throw up.
- Fever
- Wheezing or wheezing.
- Difficulty breathing, distended chest and abdomen.
- Feeling pain in the chest.
- Shivering
- Feeling sick in the stomach
- No appetite
- Crying more often than usual.
- It's hard to rest.
- Pale and lethargic.
- In severe cases, lips and fingernails may turn bluish or gray in color.
To confirm pneumonia in children, the doctor will check the breathing pattern, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and listen for abnormal breath sounds from the lungs. In a follow-up examination, imaging may be required with X-rays of the child's chest and blood tests, as well as examination of a sputum sample to determine the type of germ.
If pneumonia in children is caused by bacteria, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. To ensure healing, take the antibiotic drug until it runs out, according to the dose and amount given by the doctor. In addition to giving antibiotics, make sure your child gets enough rest and fluids so that the body fluids remain adequate.
How to Prevent Pneumonia in Children
This disease can be transmitted through saliva splashes when people with pneumonia cough or sneeze, including touching the patient's handkerchief. In addition, transmission of pneumonia can also be transmitted through sharing eating and drinking utensils belonging to sufferers.
For this reason, to avoid this disease, here are some preventive steps that can be taken:
- Adequate nutrition
Breastfeed your baby for at least the first six months. This is important to strengthen the child's immune system naturally to fight disease. Meet the nutritional needs of children by giving them fruit, vegetables, and other nutritious foods.
- Immunization
Including Hib immunization (haemophilus influenzae type B), measles vaccine, and pertussis or whooping cough vaccine known as DPT immunization (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus). Immunization is the most effective way to prevent pneumonia.
- Apply phealthy and clean living behavior
This includes personal hygiene such as washing hands before eating, environmental hygiene such as keeping children away from cigarette smoke or air pollution, making sure to also maintain sanitation, such as house hygiene and good air ventilation, and processing food cleanly.
Do not let pneumonia in children cause more serious conditions. Keep clean and fulfill children's nutritional needs, and don't forget to give immunizations according to schedule.
When your child has pneumonia, immediately take him to the pediatrician or pediatric respirologist.