Signs & Symptoms of Pneumonia in Infant

Symptoms in Babies

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia in infants may vary slightly from one baby to another. The symptoms may also depend on the germ causing the ailment. If bacteria is the cause of pneumonia in an infant, the signs and symptoms will be as follows:

• Cough resulting in mucus production

• Grunting sound during inhalation

• Chest pain and discomfort

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Fever

• Fatigue

If a virus is the cause of pneumonia, the early signs and symptoms are similar to those of bacterial pneumonia. However, in the case of viral pneumonia, breathing difficulties develop more gradually. The infant may start wheezing, and the cough-related symptoms may worsen over time. Viral pneumonia may eventually lead to bacterial pneumonia.

Apart from the above symptoms, pneumonia in infants may manifest with other signs such as:

• Rapid breathing or tachypnoea

• Chills

• Fussiness

• Poor feeding

Fungi may also cause pneumonia in infants. The symptoms of fungal pneumonia in infants are mostly similar to those caused by bacteria and viruses. However, fungal pneumonia can lead to a severe complication known as enlarged mediastinal adenopathy, a condition marked by the enlargement of lymph nodes in the infant's chest cavity.

Aspiration pneumonia in infants is another form that can result in above-mentioned signs and symptoms. Infants who are unable to swallow food normally are more likely to develop aspiration pneumonia, a condition caused by the accidental entry of food, water, or any other material into the infant's airway or lungs.

Signs to Watch Out For

Pneumonia in infants can turn fatal if not treated promptly. There are some dangerous signs you need to watch out for. Your infant will need immediate medical help if you notice following signs —

• Chest retraction:

If you see your infant’s chest sinking inward just below the breastbone or underneath the neck, consider this a warning sign.

• Hypoxemia:

A low level of blood oxygen, or hypoxemia, occurs when your infant is not getting enough oxygen to survive. This can lead to intense gasping and a bluish discolouration of the skin. This severe condition requires immediate medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Help

Pneumonia in infants may turn life-threatening. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every parent to be alert and watch out for the red flags. If your infant is not feeding, has a high fever and chills, and shows symptoms like laboured breathing and bluish discolouration of the skin, you must seek medical help without delay.

Diagnostic Methods

• Chest X-ray:

This is the first and foremost method for diagnosing pneumonia in infants.

• Blood Tests:

The paediatrician may suggest blood tests for your baby to check for an infection.

• Sputum Culture:

This can help doctors understand the bacterial or viral strain behind the pneumonia.

• Pleural Fluid Culture:

Pleural fluid is a type of fluid that accumulates in the cavity between the lungs and the chest wall due to pneumonia. A sample of this fluid is collected to find out more about the germ that has caused pneumonia.

Treatment

There are various infant pneumonia treatment methods that can help your baby recover. Some modes of treatment for infant pneumonia include:

• Administering oral antibiotics

• Administering antibiotics through IV

• Administering cough syrups

• Administering fever-lowering medications

• Providing intravenous fluids

• Providing oxygen in cases of severe breathing issues

FAQs

1. Who is at risk of pneumonia?

Infants with congenital airway and lung defects, those with health issues like asthma, and those with a compromised immune system are at risk of pneumonia.

2. What are the preventative steps you should adopt?

You can consider the following preventive steps —

• Get your baby vaccinated against pneumonia.

• Keep your baby’s room smoke-free.

• Use a disinfectant to wipe your baby’s cot and toys.

3. Can pneumonia be treated at home?

You are advised not to risk treating infant pneumonia at home. The disease can easily progress into a state of complication. Therefore, immediate medical attention is necessary.

4. What are some tips to speed up healing for your little one?

Consider the following steps to speed up your child’s recovery —

• Try to give your child frequent breastfeeds.

• Let your baby rest as much as possible.

• Humidify the baby’s room.

• Massage the baby’s chest and back with warm mustard oil.

• Use a warm garlic poultice to provide gentle heat to your baby’s chest.

5. Is pneumonia contagious?

Yes, certain types of pneumonia are contagious. It spreads through the sputum of the infant when he or she coughs or sneezes.