MenuPneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It usually starts as an infection in the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat), and develops when fluid collects in the lungs. The congestion makes it difficult for your child to breath. The infection can be caused by various microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria or fungi. Your child is at an increased risk of developing pneumonia if he/she was born prematurely; breaths second-hand smoke has asthma, sickle-cell anemia (abnormally shaped oxygen-carrying blood cells), heart defects or weak immune system, poor nutrition status or spends time in crowded places.
Symptoms of pneumonia include chills, cough, fever, nasal congestion, rapid breathing, wheezing, vomiting, chest pain, abdominal pain, decreased activity, pale or bluish nails and lips, and loss of appetite. The condition is diagnosed with blood tests, chest X-ray and sputum culture. Pneumonia in children is treated with antibiotics. If your child’s blood oxygen level is lower than normal, your doctor places an oxygen mask or tubes in your child’s nostrils to facilitate breathing. Some types of Pneumonia can be prevented with a vaccine.
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