Pneumonia in children is a disease that should not be taken lightly. Treatment of the disease depends on the severity of the disease and the age of the child. Treatment of newborns and infants is different, and older children need a different form of therapy. Check how to treat pneumonia in children, how long it lasts and how to convalesce a sick child.

Pneumonia in childrenoften requires hospital treatment. This applies to newborns and infants, as well as older children diagnosed with advanced disease. In other cases,home treatmentcan be used. In addition, in the case of pneumonia, you must not forget about the convalescence period, i.e. all procedures that will help your child recover faster.

Pneumonia in newborns and infants: hospital treatment

Newborns and infants, children under the age of one, suspected of having pneumonia, require hospitalization. In the hospital, the doctor has the opportunity to monitor the child's he alth on an ongoing basis while taking medications. Older children with severe disease may also be referred to the hospital.

Pneumonia in children: home treatment

  • Viral pneumonia in childrenis treated with drugs that alleviate the symptoms of the disease - for cough, fever, painkillers (e.g. nose drops, cough syrups, lozenges). It is also possible to gently pat the baby. Inhalations are also a proven method for pneumonia in children. If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, modern antiviral drugs can be used.
  • Bacterial pneumonia in childrenis treated with antibiotics that are appropriately selected for the species of bacteria and the age of the child. Usually, an antibiotic that is effective against many strains of bacteria is prescribed first. If this does not help, an antibiogram is performed to select the most effective drug. Antibiotics are usually taken for 7 days.
  • Atypical pneumoniarequires the use of macrolides - a group of antibiotics with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity.

Pneumonia in children: convalescence

Take care of the room where the child will recover -the room should be regularly aired and cleaned. Also take care of the appropriate humidity and air temperature in the room (approx. 20 degrees C)

As your baby will spend most of the time in bed, remember to:

  • the child rested in a reclining position, which will make it easier for him to breathe and cough up secretions
  • change pajamas and bedding frequently (because the child "sweats out" the disease during treatment)
  • change the position of the child (this applies to a small child, which you can, for example, carry in your arms)

Sudden changes in temperature, which can make your bronchial tubes hyperresponsive and cause attacks of violent coughing, should be avoided. Also, avoid overheating your baby. The attending physician will decide when the child can start going for short walks and when it can return to kindergarten or school.

During the recovery period, the child's menu is also important. It is worth it to include easily digestible products. However, the most important thing is to water the sick person regularly!

Also, do not forget to thoroughly cleanse the nose of the remaining secretions (in young children, you can extract mucus and instill the nose with saline).

Important

Putting fireless bubbles in children

Infrared cupping for children can be part of the treatment of pneumonia as it stimulates the immune system to fight the disease. During the procedure, negative pressure is created on the skin, and a small amount of blood is sucked from the blood vessels into the subcutaneous tissues.

CHECK>>How to put bubbles to fight infections?

How to recognize pneumonia?

Listen to our drug expert. Katarzyna Bukol-Krawczyk, internist of the Lux Med group.

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