Definition

Pneumonia is an infection deep in the small airways and air sacs of the lungs. The infection will make the air sacs swell and fill with fluid or pus. This causes intense coughing and can make it hard to breathe.

This article will focus on community-acquired pneumonia. It is the type that is spread in community places such as home, school, or daycare.

Infection in the Air Sacs of the Lungs Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Pneumonia is caused by a germ in the air that you breathe. Germs that most often cause community-acquired pneumonia include:

• Viruses—such as flu or cold viruses
• Bacteria
• Fungus—more likely to happen in people with other health issues like immune system problems

Risk Factors

Pneumonia is more common in children under the age of 5 years.

Other things that may increase your child’s chance of pneumonia include:

• Exposure to tobacco smoke
• Allergies or asthma
• Lack of immunization
• History of respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis
• Chronic conditions that affect the lungs, such as cystic fibrosis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Chronic conditions that weaken the immune system
• Malnutrition
• Birth defects of the heart or lungs
• Neuromuscular disorders that affect the lung function
• Sickle-cell anemia

Symptoms

Pneumonia may cause:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fever and chills
• Wheezing—a hoarse whistling sound
• Rapid breathing

Children may also:

• Be less active
• Seem irritable
• Have little or no interest in food or feeding
• Have stomach pain or vomiting
• Have a headache

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may suspect pneumonia based on the exam. Blood and coughed fluids may be tested. These test are not always needed.

Images of the lungs may be taken with:

• Chest x-ray
• Ultrasound

Treatment

Treatment will be based on what germ caused the infection and the child's overall health. More support may be needed if there is a severe infection. A hospital stay may be needed if it becomes difficult to breathe.

Treatment options may include:

Prevention

Vaccines may help to prevent certain pneumonia. Vaccine schedules for children include:

• Flu vaccine—in all children aged 6 months and older
• Pneumococcal vaccine:
  • PCV13 is recommended in all children, and routinely given to all children aged 2 months to 5 years
  • PCV23 in children aged 2 years and older who have a high risk of infection or a suppressed immune system
• Hemophilus influenza type B vaccine, routinely given to all children aged 2 months to 5 years
• Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine, routinely given to all children aged 2 months to 5 years as part of the DTaP vaccine
• Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine, routinely given to children 11 years or older as part of the Tdap vaccine

Some children may have a higher risk of pneumonia. Medicine may be given to these children after a cold or the flu to help prevent pneumonia.

To decrease your child’s risk of any airway infection:

• Do not expose your child to tobacco smoke. Smoke weakens the lungs' resistance to infection.
• Avoid close contact with people who have a cold or the flu.
• Encourage your child to wash their hands often.
• Treat any chronic disease.