
If your child has chest pains or a fever and is feeling miserable, they may need some pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
It may be more comfortable for older children to sleep propped up on a couple of pillows, rather than laying completely flat. Follow the doctor’s instructions for giving antibiotics, if they have been prescribed. This is not a problem, as long as they are drinking fluids. Most children refuse to eat when they have pneumonia. Offer small sips of water, and offer babies breastmilk or formula more often. It is important to give your child fluids frequently to prevent dehydration. Care at homeĪfter a doctor has diagnosed your child with mild pneumonia, you can usually care for them at home. Antibiotics do not cure viruses and are not given for viral pneumonia. However, recovery can be slower, taking up to four weeks. Viral pneumonia is usually not as severe as bacterial pneumonia. Some children may also need oxygen or extra fluids. Your child may continue to cough for up to three weeks after treatment, but this is nothing to worry about if they are otherwise getting better.Ĭhildren who are very unwell with bacterial pneumonia may be admitted to hospital for antibiotics given directly into a vein through a drip (intravenous or IV therapy). It is very important to complete the whole course of antibiotics, even if your child seems much better. Children with bacterial pneumonia usually improve within 48 hours of starting antibiotics. In mild cases of bacterial pneumonia, this medicine can be taken orally at home. If your child's pneumonia is caused by bacteria, they will be prescribed antibiotics. Treatment for pneumonia Bacterial pneumonia Usually your child won’t need any tests, but sometimes a GP will order a blood test or X-ray to help diagnose pneumonia. You should see your GP if you think your child has pneumonia. pain in the chest, especially when coughing. AFTER EFFECTS OF PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN AT SCHOOL SKIN
fast and/or difficult breathing – your child's breathing will become hard work, and you may see the ribs or skin under the neck 'sucking in' or nostrils flaring when they are breathing younger babies may bob their heads when breathing.Children often have one or more of the following: Signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary depending on your child's age and the cause of the pneumonia. Sometimes there may be complications associated with pneumonia, but these are not common, and your doctor will monitor your child for these. Pneumonia often comes after another respiratory infection, such as a cold. The mucus blocks the airways and reduces the amount of oxygen that is able to get into the body. Pneumonia in children can be caused by viruses or bacteria.īecause of the infection, the small airways in the lungs become swollen and make more mucus (sticky fluid). Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of the lungs, and is sometimes called a chest infection.