The symptoms of pneumonia in a child have their own characteristics compared to an adult. The disease does not always proceed according to the classical pattern. A high percentage of patients with inflammation is observed in infants. Revealing early signs pneumonia in children is important task, both for the doctor and for the parents, because at this age complications develop at a rapid speed.

Causes of the disease

Pneumonia - serious illness, in which the respiratory system is affected, the inflammatory focus is localized in the lung tissue. The main respiratory function is the saturation of all organs with oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide; in patients with pneumonia, it is not carried out in full.

And this immediately affects the general condition. Signs of pneumonia in a child such as weakness, increased fatigue, and drowsiness occur.

For implementation of this disease the following factors are required.

Presence of infection

The causative agents may be:

• Bacteria. Namely: Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococcus, Escherichia coli,.
• Viruses.
• Mushrooms.
• Chlamydia, a single-celled mycoplasma organism.
• . For example, roundworm larvae (class Nematodes - Roundworms) from the intestine penetrate into the portal vein, then through the pulmonary circulation they enter the alveoli, where they can cause symptoms of pneumonia in a child.

Decreased general immunity

Decreased immunity negatively affects resistance child's body to diseases

Defense system The baby is still far from perfect, and frequent viral infections, which often happens when a child attends kindergarten, have an extremely depressive effect.

As often happens in these cases, before the runny nose had gone away, sinusitis, sore throat, etc. developed.

Eventually the immune response is not detected enough to provide adequate resistance even from a banal infection.

Decreased local immunity

The nasal mucosa plays a vital role in protecting the body from bacteria. Here the air is heated and purified, like in a filter, from harmful microorganisms.

If nasal breathing is impaired, the pathological focus descends lower. Tracheitis, bronchitis and pneumonia may occur. Diseases are indicated in accordance with the descending localization of the inflammatory process.

That's why stopping the disease at the stage of pharyngitis is an important task, this way you can avoid complications.

Predisposing factors

Hypothermia reduces support mechanisms. And the infection that was latent in the body becomes active.

How to recognize the disease?

Let's look at the main symptoms of pneumonia in a child by age.

Causes of pneumonia in an infant

The infant's immunity and respiratory system are still imperfect, which is why a child of this age is at risk

Infants are at risk, since their anatomical features contribute to the development of the disease.

• With short, narrow respiratory tracts, the spread of the process occurs very quickly.
• Insufficient ventilation occurs due to the horizontal position of the ribs.
• The imperfection of the respiratory system leads to the appearance of atelectasis, where microbes actively begin to multiply.
• Mostly supine position baby contributes to the appearance of congestion in the posterior lower sections chest.

General symptoms of pneumonia in children under one year of age

• Anxiety, . The baby eats poorly and becomes capricious.
• Runny nose. Nasal breathing difficult.
• Cough.
• Hyperthermia may not always be present; sometimes signs of pneumonia are detected in a child without fever.
• Presence of foamy discharge from the mouth.
• Apnea. This term refers to cessation of breathing. In newborns they are long-lasting and frequent.
• During crying, the area between the wings of the nose and the corners of the mouth becomes pale, giving way to blue.
• Possible bowel dysfunction.

Symptoms of pneumonia in children 1 year old

During this period, the surfactant is formed, the protective factors are at a much higher level top level compared to a baby. But the risks of bacterial infection remain.

More often, according to statistics, children under 1 year of age develop exudative pleurisy, combined pneumonia with pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Narrowing of the bronchi due to an allergic reaction is also common.

Let's consider what the first signs of pneumonia in children of this age..

• The condition worsens significantly.
• Intoxication of the body increases.
• The temperature lasts longer than 3 days.
• Additional muscles are added to the act of breathing. It shows up in the following way: When inhaling, the intercostal areas are drawn inward.
• Cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle, when the little one cries and screams.

Signs of pneumonia in children 2 years old

Symptoms of pneumonia in 2-year-old children are often identical to the manifestations of ARVI

More often it develops due to a bacterial infection.

By this time, immunity against viruses has been formed.

When listening, hard breathing and moist rales are observed..

Shortness of breath - up to 40 respiratory acts per minute. This is a compensatory mechanism that turns on in conditions of insufficient oxygen saturation of tissues.

With the development of pneumonia symptoms in children 2 years old are often identical to manifestations of acute respiratory viral infection : runny nose, cough, fever. At this age, segmental or lobar inflammation often develops.

Signs of pneumonia in a 3 year old child

As a rule, the disease occurs as a complication of an acute respiratory viral infection. If the cough lasts for a long time, even if it is not pronounced, you need to consult a specialist, as this may be a symptom of pneumonia in children 3 years old.

Sometimes cough occurs during sleep . The condition is worsening, the baby is not active, restless, and does not eat well. The skin is pale, the respiratory rate is 30-40 times per minute.

Many cases of pneumonia have been recorded in children without fever, the symptoms being erased. Therefore, it is not worth assessing the condition of the baby, referring solely to the temperature curve.

Dangerous forms

When latent pneumonia occurs in children, the symptoms are practically not expressed. This is where all the danger lies. Parents must be extremely attentive, since the baby’s behavior will worsen, and there may not be a cough or runny nose.

Reasons hidden form is incorrect, uncontrolled reception antibiotics. These drugs significantly reduce the body's defense mechanisms. Antitussives block the cough reflex, leaving the door open to infection.

In children with primary immunodeficiency Pneumonia can also have a hidden course.

The causative agents of atypical inflammation are often mycoplasmas and chlamydia. This form got its name due to the discrepancy between the visible manifestations and the real changes in the lung tissue.

Symptoms of atypical pneumonia in children

• Signs of intoxication are quite pronounced.
• Headache.
• Body aches.
• Increased sweating.
• Fever (may or may not be present).
• The baby refuses to eat.
• Enlarged lymph nodes.

With an atypical course A characteristic symptom of pneumonia in children 3 years old is skin retraction at the site of the affected area during inhalation and exhalation.

If the causative agent is mycoplasma, a polymorphic rash can be found on the skin. On examination - hepatomegaly and splenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen).

Often the disease is hidden behind manifestations characteristic of sore throat and pharyngitis. In this case, early diagnosis is extremely important.

What is the diagnosis based on?

Diagnosis of pneumonia is carried out by auscultation (lat. auscultatio, listening) - by applying a stethoscope to the organ being listened to.

Characteristic diagnostic signs collected on the basis of examination and auscultation:

• Increased breathing (or, conversely, difficulty). The increase in the number of respiratory acts per minute is directly dependent on the site of the lesion and inversely dependent on age. Accordingly, the younger the child and the larger the inflammatory focus, the greater the NPV value.
• Retraction of the chest area above the affected area when breathing.
• Shortening percussion sound observed in approximately 50% of patients. But the absence of this sign does not exclude the presence of inflammation.
• Presence of wheezing (fine bubbling, crepitating). In the acute course of pneumonia, wheezing is not always present, but their absence also does not exclude the presence of an inflammatory process. It is important to note that uniform wheezing sometimes indicates bronchitis.
• Decreased breathing. Often, in the absence of wheezing, weakened breathing can be heard. It is necessary to undergo additional examination.

Komarovsky named hyperthermia, sweating, signs of intoxication, and disorder as important, but far from the main symptoms of pneumonia in a child. digestive system(diarrhea).

Evgeniy Olegovich also said that if a baby’s deep breath provokes the development of a cough, this is bad diagnostic sign , you need to contact your pediatrician.

Leukocytosis and increased SOE are quite often observed in the blood test results of sick children.

According to bacteriological research sputum can identify the pathogen and, accordingly, determine sensitivity to antibiotics.

For more information about the topic of pneumonia in a child from Dr. Komarovsky, watch the video.

Treatment regimen

When symptoms of pneumonia are detected in children, treatment should include the following steps.

• Antibiotic therapy.
  1. Macrolides – for intrauterine infection.
  2. Cephalosporins (3rd, 4th generation) – for children with immunodeficiencies.
  3. Cephalosporins (2nd, 3rd generation) - in case of nosocomial infection.
• If symptoms of viral pneumonia are detected in children, treatment is carried out using anti-influenza gamma globulin .
• Mucolytics.
• Bronchodilators.
• Immunocorrective therapy.
• Physiotherapy. Ozokerite applications, phytoinhalations.
• Oxygen therapy. Prescribed in case of respiratory failure.

Food, rich in protein, drinking plenty of fluids are important components complex therapy. After pneumonia, it is recommended to undergo sanatorium treatment.

If you have pneumonia, treatment at home can only be done with the permission of a specialist.

8 basic rules on how to protect your child from dangerous complications

Consider 8 important rules, following which you can reduce the risk of developing pneumonia.

1. Accurately follow all doctor’s recommendations in the treatment of diseases of a viral or bacterial nature.
2. For pneumonia in children, specialized treatment must be carried out; self-medication is not allowed.
3. Pneumonia often occurs as a complication of acute respiratory viral infections, therefore you can’t cause pharyngitis, otitis media, or even a seemingly trivial runny nose.
4. After recovering from ARVI, you should not immediately send your child to kindergarten; you need to wait at least 2-3 weeks. The immune system is weakened, and infection can lead to complications.
5. Accept antibacterial drugs only as prescribed by a specialist.
6. This disease requires hospitalization. Therefore, carry out Treatment of pneumonia in children at home is possible only with the permission of the pediatrician.
7. During epidemic outbreaks, places with large crowds of people should be avoided.
8. You also need to teach your little one to basic rules hygiene from birth.

Conclusion

Pneumonia - insidious disease, since it is difficult to diagnose in newborns, as well as in older children with a hidden, atypical course.

Knowing the first signs is extremely important. This will help parents contact the pediatrician in time, and, consequently, provide the baby with the necessary specialized care.

Pneumonia is an infectious-inflammatory disease, affecting the lungs person. It often occurs in childhood and accounts for about 80% of all pulmonary pathologies.

Even with the modern level of medicine, pneumonia in a child is sufficient common cause lethal outcome.

Therefore, it is considered necessary to know how pneumonia manifests itself in children. Such information will allow you to recognize the disease in a timely manner and help prevent its further development.

Features of the disease and possible consequences for young children

In most cases, pneumonia in children develops around the fourth day of acute respiratory viral infection. This is due to harmful influence viral infection on human immunity and protective barriers respiratory tract. Thus, foci of bacterial infection are formed, from which pneumonia begins.

As for the characteristics of the development of the disease, the symptoms of the disease in children are somewhat different. This is determined by the following indicators:

All of the above factors create favorable environment for the appearance and spread of the inflammatory process.

It is also worth noting the child’s immune system: it is obvious that in the first days of life the baby’s body is exposed to significant attacks from various pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, it is important to pay sufficient attention to each manifestation, because any disease during this period can lead to irreversible consequences in the future.

As for pneumonia, this is extremely dangerous disease for children. Microbes cause various complications through their activities. To fully understand how pneumonia manifests itself, it is necessary to consider following points in the development of pneumonia:

Such consequences have too much influence on the functioning of the child’s body, so it is important to study and remember the first signs of pneumonia in children.

Pneumonia: symptoms in children based on age

Every mother should know how to identify pneumonia in a child. Recognizing inflammation is quite simple - you just need to carefully monitor the baby. But it is worth considering that the age of the child determines the characteristics of the manifestations.

First, it’s worth considering the signs of pneumonia in a child under 1 year of age. First of all, this concerns the behavior of the newborn. If he always wants to sleep, is lethargic or apathetic, then you should start to worry. In addition, the opposite situation is also possible: the baby, on the contrary, begins to be capricious and cry more, and refuse to eat. It is also worth considering the fact that the first signs of inflammation are changes in body temperature.

But for children under 1 year of age, this symptom is not decisive. This is due to certain characteristics of the body - in such age period the temperature does not rise above 37.6 degrees. In addition, it does not determine the severity of the condition.

So, the first symptoms of pneumonia in children are:

1. Without any adequate reason, anxiety, lethargy, decreased appetite and breast refusal may occur.
2. Sleep becomes restless and short.
3. The stool becomes liquid.
4. Constant feeling of nausea with vomiting.
5. Stuffy nose and cough, which can become an attack when crying or feeding.

The main manifestations of pneumonia are changes in breathing and accompanying processes:

An important point in the question “How to recognize pneumonia in children?” is a change in the relief of the skin surface during breathing.

This can be observed if you look at the skin on the baby’s ribs: how it retracts when inhaling. If there is asymmetry between the two sides of the chest, then this may indicate the disease in question. In some situations, one can note causeless interruptions in breathing and the frequency of the process, its stopping for a short period of time. Due to the defeat of one half lung child tends to position itself on a certain side.

Upon visual examination, a disease affecting the pulmonary organ may manifest itself in cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle. It allows you to identify violations in the normal supply of oxygen to the body. Looks like blue discoloration between the baby's lips and nose. It is easy to notice at the moment when the baby is breastfeeding. If the disease has had a significant impact on the body, then blue discoloration can be observed not only on the facial part, but also on other parts of the body.

It is also worth considering the signs of pneumonia in children over 4 years of age. This is due to the fact that at the age of 4 the child’s organ in question is sufficiently formed. Availability the following symptoms is a sufficient reason to consult a doctor for a detailed diagnosis:

1. After an acute respiratory viral infection, no improvement in the body’s condition is observed for 5 days. Or, after a slight recovery of the body, the temperature suddenly rises and a severe cough occurs.
2. Poor appetite and sleep or their complete absence.
3. It is also worth noting the pallor of the skin.
4. Body temperature can reach 38 degrees. However, most antipyretic drugs cannot cope with their purpose.
5. Shortness of breath occurs. Again, you need to know the rate of breaths per minute to determine the presence of a violation in the respiratory process: from 4 to 6 years: 25 IM; in adolescents from 10 years of age, the norm almost reaches the adult level: 15-20 IM.

Obviously, if real indicators exceed these figures, then this is a sign of pneumonia.

You need to understand that this is a fairly serious disease - pneumonia. Symptoms in children have some characteristics - age determines the main nuances.

Symptoms in children, taking into account the form of the disease

Pneumonia can appear in several forms. Each variety has its own specific symptoms, so it is important to become familiar with each of them.

So, first we need to consider the so-called focal pneumonia, which develops as a result of complications of ARVI. At first glance, this form is no different from common cold: runny nose, cough, slight fever.

But over time, the disease penetrates inside, affecting more and more layers of lung tissue, as a result of which the body’s condition worsens significantly after just 7 days:

Although the focal form of the disease is not considered severe, possible complications can still lead to death.

The next type of pneumonia is segmental, characterized by its rarity of occurrence and dangerous symptoms. The inflammatory process affects a fairly large area of ​​the lung. This form occurs quickly and acutely. It is characterized by the following characteristics:

On initial stages segmental pneumonia is quite difficult to diagnose due to the absence of wheezing and cough.

Lobar pneumonia is considered the most dangerous form. Children over four years of age are at risk. It appears as a result of severe hypothermia, so symptoms appear quite quickly:

• chills, which is accompanied by a temperature of 40 degrees. It can fall or rise sharply;
• increased sweating;
• pain in the chest area when breathing;
• The cough is dry at first. Then it acquires a wet character with the release of sputum mixed with blood;
• the skin is pale, but a feverish blush can often be observed;
• Depending on the location of pneumonia, abdominal pain, headaches with vomiting, and convulsions may occur.

It is not always possible to identify pneumonia as the cause of such manifestations, since they are not characteristic of a pulmonary infection.

Inflammation of the lungs is accompanied by symptoms of a detrimental nature, which significantly affects general state child. It is important to understand that in such a process it is necessary to respond to each sign in a timely manner and in no case delay contacting a doctor, since pneumonia has a high probability of death.

Modern medicine makes it possible to successfully treat pneumonia in children, but required condition favorable outcome - timely diagnosis and prescribing adequate treatment. Pneumonia in a child is dangerous, which can occur when signs of the disease are detected too late.

Causes of pneumonia in a child

The smaller the child, the more vulnerable he is to various diseases. The reason is the imperfection of the growing organism, anatomical and physiological. Age characteristics factors that influence the development of pneumonia in children are:

• insufficient development of the respiratory system, its functional instability;
• smaller airway lumen than in adults;
• immaturity of lung tissue;
• delicacy of the mucous membranes lining the respiratory tract;
• abundance of blood vessels in the mucous membranes;
• abdominal breathing, which impedes gas exchange in case of any, even minor, intestinal problem;
• general immaturity immune system body.

The risk of pneumonia increases in cases where the baby was born or underweight, with artificial feeding and lack of quality care. Children who grow up with smoking parents get sick more often.

Endogenous and exogenous pathogens

Pneumonia as a disease is characterized by polyetiology - a variety of pathogens that cause an inflammatory process in the lungs. Mycoplasma also ranks first in frequency; they are found in almost a third of sick children. Every fourth child with pneumonia is diagnosed with pneumococcus.

Pathogens also differ depending on age and environmental factors. In children who do not have contact with other children and do not attend preschool institutions, the inflammatory process is more often caused by pneumococcus. Kindergarten and primary schoolchildren are affected by mycoplasma. Chlamydia is the causative agent of the disease in adolescent schoolchildren.

Pneumonia in children is caused by both exogenous pathogens (located in environment), and representatives of the internal nasopharyngeal bacterial microflora(endogenous pathogen). An endogenous factor can be aspiration of vomit and belching (pathogens are staphylococcus and E. coli). Various factors can activate your own bacteria:

• hypothermia;
• avitaminosis;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• colds.

The primary (lobar) form develops after pathogens enter the respiratory tract, and secondary pneumonia in a child can be caused by acute respiratory diseases. Pneumonia can be the result of a descending infection, not only bacterial, but also viral. Some types of pneumonia have. Secondary pneumonia () is much more common.

Inflammation caused by so-called hospital-acquired strains in a child hospitalized due to another disease is especially difficult to treat. Nosocomial infections are resistant to drug treatment using.

The clinical picture of the development of pneumonia in children depends on several factors:

• pathogen;
• patient's age;
• tissues involved in the inflammatory process (unilateral or bilateral pneumonia, focal, lobar, etc.).

The classification divides pneumonia into unilateral and bilateral, etc. When the infection spreads to surrounding tissues, symptoms of the corresponding disease are observed (, etc.).

The symptoms of this disease may be similar to the clinical picture of other respiratory diseases, and therefore is definitely needed differential diagnosis. Any slightest sign of the disease must be treated carefully, because pneumonia in children develops very quickly, and in the absence of proper timely treatment Complications, even death, should be feared.

Hard breath

The very first sign of pneumonia is that the patient begins to breathe heavily and rapidly. This is caused by the fact that the inflamed lung tissue cannot take part in gas exchange and falls out of the respiratory process. This condition is called respiratory failure. To replenish the missing oxygen, the patient has to make more breathing movements, breathing is heavy and tense. At the same time, the child flares his nostrils, his nasolabial triangle turns pale, and then acquires a bluish tint.

Long-term colds

Parents should be alert to a persistent cold that lasts more than a week and is accompanied by a high fever. At the same time, antipyretic drugs bring temporary relief: the temperature quickly returns to its previous level. The highest temperature, up to 40 °C, is observed in children older than 6–7 years. This is the body's natural defense reaction to infection. Pneumonia in younger children may be accompanied by a fever not exceeding a low-grade fever due to a weak immune system. This is dangerous because pneumonia can masquerade as a common cold.

Cough

The symptom can be of varying intensity and nature, in some cases there is a dry cough for a long time, and in other sick children the cough is very strong, paroxysmal, with acute pneumonia- suffocating.

Pneumonia in infants is accompanied by difficulty breathing and coughing attacks, during which the nasolabial area becomes distinctly pale and takes on a grayish tint. Temperatures can rise to 38°C or higher. The baby breathes through the mouth, as the nasal passages are blocked due to swelling of the nasal mucosa.

It is common for children of all ages to have pneumonia when they are unable to breathe deeply. Attempts to take a deep breath end in a fit of suffocating coughing.

Atypical form

Most cases are mistaken for bronchitis and treated accordingly. Subsequently, inappropriate treatment can lead to chronicity of the disease and relapse of inflammation. Listening with a phonendoscope does not make it possible to diagnose the disease with high accuracy; more precise methods diagnostics

Diagnostic measures

Self-determination of the disease, as well as self-treatment, does not lead to anything good. A sick baby should be shown to a doctor for a comprehensive examination.

Pneumonia in children can be diagnosed at the very beginning of the disease. To do this you need:

• fully examine the child to assess his condition;
• listen to the lungs;
• undergo an x-ray examination;
• take a blood test.

X-rays should be taken in two projections (anterior and lateral) in order to assess as accurately as possible how much inflammation the lungs have. A blood test will not only indicate the presence of a focus of inflammation, but will also help to accurately identify the pathogen. Without this, it is impossible to prescribe the necessary medication course of treatment.

Will complement as much as possible clinical picture information from parents. The younger the children, the more attentive mothers and fathers should be to their health, so that they can then answer the doctor’s questions instead of the child, when the first signs appeared, whether there was a cough initially, etc.

Treatment of pneumonia in children

Pneumonia in a child can be treated only in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations. Traditional anti-cold and restorative drugs serve only as an addition to the main therapy. It is forbidden:

• stop taking medications;
• at your discretion, replace some drugs with others;
• increase or decrease the dose of the drug.

The basis of drug treatment is antibiotics. The susceptibility of a particular pathogen to a given antibiotic drug is determined based on an assessment of the condition little patient after three days of taking the prescribed medication.

The interval between taking tablets (injections) must be strictly observed: a double dose means a dose after 12 hours, a three-time dose means a dose after 8 hours. This is necessary in order to maintain the required concentration of the active substance of the drug in the blood, otherwise the effectiveness of treatment will decrease.

Cannot be accepted antibiotic drugs longer than the prescribed course of treatment (a week for cephalosporins and penicillins, 5 days for macrolides), as dysbiosis may develop.

If appetite improves, we can say that the treatment is effective

Antipyretic medications are prescribed for use only at temperatures above 38 °C in children under one year of age and above 39 °C after one year. If a child experiences convulsions even at low-grade fever, an antipyretic is necessary. We can talk about the effectiveness of therapy if:

• appetite improved;
• breathing became easier, shortness of breath decreased;
• the temperature has dropped.

If this does not happen three days after the start of treatment, drug therapy needs to be adjusted.

Complementary therapy

Medicines are prescribed to thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up. Drinking plenty of fluids will ease the child’s condition: when the body is dehydrated, the mucus thickens, which makes coughing difficult. Vitamin complexes may be prescribed to maintain strength. Care and nutrition are an essential part of treatment. The child needs to ensure cleanliness and humidity in the room. Meals should be light.

Indications for hospitalization if pneumonia develops in a child

Pneumonia in children up to three years can only be treated in a hospital setting: at this age, children do not yet have strong immunity, the body’s defenses are weak, so qualified personnel must monitor the patients’ condition.

Children are subject to hospitalization over three years in cases where:

• there is no way at home proper care and treatment;
• the child is in serious condition;
• pneumonia accompanies chronic diseases.

The doctor may insist on hospitalization even in the absence of these reasons.

Danger and possible complications of pneumonia

The main danger with pneumonia is the development. Other dangers and complications include:

• a sharp drop in pressure accompanied by heart failure;
• respiratory failure;
• disturbance of consciousness;
• convulsive state;
• sepsis;
• accumulation of fluid in pleural cavity;
• infectious-toxic shock.

If you suspect the development of any of these conditions, you should contact medical care if pneumonia is being treated at home.

Which doctor should I contact?

If you have a low temperature, you should contact your pediatrician

If you suspect pneumonia, you should not take your child to the clinic, since there is a high risk of “catching” another infectious disease against the background of a weakened immune system. In case of initial symptoms, you need to call a local pediatrician to your home, and in case of sudden high fever, other acute symptoms- first aid.

Early diagnosis and quick start treatment and compliance with all doctor’s instructions will help cure a child of pneumonia and avoid complications and relapses. To improve health, preventive measures are mandatory.

Pneumonia is an acute infectious disease, the causative agent of which is most often bacteria. The disease occurs with focal damage to lung tissue.

In a sick child at 4 years old, the signs of the disease may differ significantly from the manifestations of the disease in an infant. An x-ray helps to distinguish pneumonia from bronchitis, which clearly shows darkening of the respiratory tract.

Among 1 thousand children in the first year of life, pneumonia, or pneumonia, occurs in 15–20 cases, and among preschool children – in 36–40. In school-age children and adolescents, the incidence is much lower and amounts to only 7–10 cases. The most high performance Mortality from pneumonia is recorded at the age of up to 4 years.

The pathogen enters the alveoli of the lungs, where it provokes the development of the inflammatory process. Liquid (exudate) accumulates here, which interferes with physiological air exchange. The amount of oxygen entering the body is sharply reduced, so hypoxia is a sign of pneumonia in a child. Lack of oxygen often causes disruption of the circulatory system. This condition poses a danger not only to health, but also to life, so treatment must begin immediately.

COMMON SIGNS IN CHILDREN

It is quite difficult to identify signs of pneumonia in a child at an early stage. At the first stages, the symptoms of pneumonia are difficult to distinguish from the manifestations of acute bronchitis.

General symptoms:

• Increased body temperature. Infection of lung tissue is accompanied by an inflammatory process that causes febrile symptoms. Unlike common viral infectious diseases, the temperature during pneumonia does not decrease for 2–3 days, but remains at 37–38 degrees long time, despite competent therapy for ARVI.
• The cough may vary in nature or be absent altogether. It can be dry, wet, paroxysmal or similar to whooping cough symptoms. It is also likely that its character will change from dry to wet. It is possible to produce mucous or purulent sputum; if traces of blood are detected in it, you must immediately inform your doctor.
• Chest pain may occur during coughing or when inhaling. Pain syndrome concentrated on the right or left, and also radiates under the shoulder blade.
• Change in breathing sounds. When listening, the doctor may detect wheezing or harsh breathing.
• Lack of oxygen.

External manifestations:

• fast fatiguability;
• pallor and bluishness of the skin in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle;
• swelling of the wings of the nose;
• rapid shallow breathing (more than 40 times per minute in children from 1 to 6 years old);
• increased sweating without physical and emotional stress;
• decreased appetite due to intoxication.

The described symptoms make it possible to timely identify the first signs of pneumonia in children.

From the point of view of laboratory diagnostics, valuable information can be obtained from the results of a clinical blood test. It reflects total inflammatory metabolic products in its liquid fraction.

May indicate the presence of pneumonia increased content band and segmented leukocytes (more than 15 thousand in 1 cubic mm), as well as a significant increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

A timely consultation with a pediatrician will help determine which signs actually indicate pneumonia and differentiate them from symptoms of other pulmonary diseases.

SIGNS IN A CHILD IN THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE

In children under one year of age, pneumonia occurs 10 times more often than in schoolchildren. The highest incidence is observed among children 3-9 months.

The danger of pneumonia in infants is the rapid spread of the pathological process in the lung tissue and disruption of the functions of digestion and urination.

Features of symptoms:

• Symptoms of pneumonia in children under one year of age develop gradually. First, there is a general malaise, which manifests itself as weakness, loss of appetite, regurgitation, and sleep disturbances. Next, symptoms similar to a viral infection occur: dry cough, sneezing and nasal congestion.
• The disease occurs at a relatively low and stable body temperature. As a rule, it does not exceed 38 degrees or may not rise at all.
• Cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle and fingertips intensifies when screaming, during strong crying or breastfeeding.
• Retraction of skin between ribs.
• With the development of respiratory failure, the two halves of the chest participate differently in the act of breathing.
• Later, increased breathing and disruption of its rhythm are noted. The wings of the nose are tense, they become pale and motionless.
• Infants under three months may experience foamy discharge from the mouth. Such signs of pneumonia in a child under one year old may be a harbinger of frequent and prolonged respiratory arrest.

Symptoms of pneumonia in children under 6 months of age may be atypical, so if pneumonia is suspected, an x-ray examination is required.

SIGNS IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

The symptoms of pneumonia in a 1-year-old child and in older children have some differences. Preschoolers have developed a more stable immune system, so pneumonia manifests itself with clear typical symptoms.

Features of symptoms:

• In a child from 2 to 5 years old, signs of pneumonia at the initial stage may include: general symptoms viral infections that occur in combination with other diseases.
• Most often, in children of preschool and school age, pneumonia occurs as a type of bronchopneumonia.
• When at 3 year old child pneumonia, then his breathing rate is more than 50 respiratory movements per minute.
• A cough may appear only on the 5th–6th day of illness, but may be absent altogether.
• Preparations based on ibuprofen and paracetamol cannot reduce body temperature.
• Sputum during coughing occurs only when the surface of the bronchi is inflamed. It may have a greenish or yellowish color.
• Extrapulmonary symptoms may also be observed: muscle pain, increased heart rate, confusion, indigestion, skin rashes.

Pneumonia should be understood as an acute or chronic infectious-inflammatory process that develops in the lung tissue and causing syndrome respiratory disorders.

Pneumonia is a serious disease of the respiratory system in children. The incidence is sporadic, but in rare cases, outbreaks of the disease may occur among children in the same group.

The incidence rate of pneumonia in children under 3 years of age is about 20 cases per 1 thousand children of this age, and in children over 3 years old - about 6 cases per 1 thousand children.

Causes of pneumonia

Pneumonia is a polyetiological disease: for different age groups Various pathogens of this infection are more typical. The type of pathogen depends on the condition and on the conditions and location of children during the development of pneumonia (in a hospital or at home).

Pneumonia can be caused by:

• pneumococcus – in 25% of cases;
• – up to 30%;
• chlamydia – up to 30%;
• (golden and epidermal);
• coli;
• fungi;
• mycobacterium;
• hemophilus influenzae;
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
• pneumocystis;
• legionella;
• viruses (parainfluenza, adenovirus).

Thus, in children aged from the second half of life to 5 years old who fall ill at home, pneumonia is most often caused by Haemophilus influenzae and pneumococcus. In children of preschool and primary school age, pneumonia can be caused by mycoplasma, especially during the transitional summer-autumn period. IN adolescence Chlamydia can cause pneumonia.

When pneumonia develops outside a hospital setting, the patient's own (endogenous) bacterial flora located in the nasopharynx is more often activated. But the pathogen can also come from outside.

Factors contributing to the activation of one’s own microorganisms are:

• development ;
• hypothermia;
• aspiration (entry into the respiratory tract) of vomit during regurgitation, food, foreign body;
• in the child’s body;
• Congenital heart defect;
• stressful situations.

Although pneumonia is mainly bacterial infection, it can also be caused by viruses. This is especially true for children in the first year of life.

With frequent regurgitation in children and possible entry of vomit into the respiratory tract, pneumonia can also be caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli. Pneumonia can also be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi, and in rare cases, Legionella.

Pathogens enter the respiratory tract and from outside, by airborne droplets(with inhaled air). In this case, pneumonia can develop as a primary pathological process(lobar pneumonia), and may be secondary, occurring as a complication of the inflammatory process in the upper respiratory tract (bronchopneumonia) or in other organs. Currently, secondary pneumonia is more often recorded in children.

When infection penetrates into the lung tissue, swelling of the mucous membrane of the small bronchus develops, as a result of which the supply of air to the alveoli becomes difficult, they collapse, gas exchange is disrupted, and oxygen starvation in all organs.

There are also hospital-acquired (nosocomial) pneumonias, which develop in a hospital setting during treatment of a child for another disease. The causative agents of such pneumonia can be “hospital” strains resistant to antibiotics (staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus, Klebsiella) or microorganisms of the child himself.

The development of hospital-acquired pneumonia is facilitated by the antibacterial therapy the child receives: it has a detrimental effect on the normal microflora in the lungs, and instead of it, flora alien to the body populates them. Hospital-acquired pneumonia occurs after two or more days of hospital stay.

Pneumonia in newborns in the first 3 days of life can be considered a manifestation of hospital pneumonia, although in these cases it is difficult to exclude intrauterine infection.

Pulmonologists also distinguish lobar pneumonia, caused by pneumococcus and involving several segments or the entire lobe of the lung with a transition to the pleura. More often it develops in preschool and school age children, rarely up to 2-3 years. Typical for lobar pneumonia is a lesion of the left lower lobe, less often – of the right lower and right upper lobes. IN infancy it manifests itself in most cases as bronchopneumonia.

Interstitial pneumonia is manifested by the fact that the inflammatory process is predominantly localized in the interstitial connective tissue. It is more common in children in the first 2 years of life. It is particularly severe in newborns and infants. It is more common in the autumn-winter period. It is caused by viruses, mycoplasma, pneumocystis, chlamydia.

In addition to bacterial and viral, pneumonia can be:

• occur when;
• associated with the action of chemical and physical factors.

Why do young children get pneumonia more often?

How smaller child, the higher the risk of developing pneumonia and the severity of its course. Frequent occurrence Pneumonia and its chronicity in children are facilitated by the following characteristics of the body:

• the respiratory system is not fully formed;
• the airways are narrower;
• the lung tissue is immature, less airy, which also reduces gas exchange;
• the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract are easily vulnerable, have many blood vessels, and quickly become inflamed;
• the cilia of the mucosal epithelium are also immature and cannot cope with the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract during inflammation;
• abdominal type of breathing in babies: any “problem” in the abdomen (bloating, swallowing air into the stomach during feeding, enlarged liver, etc.) further complicates gas exchange;
• immaturity of the immune system.

The following factors also contribute to the occurrence of pneumonia in babies:

• artificial (or mixed) feeding;
• passive smoking, which occurs in many families: has a toxic effect on the lungs and reduces the supply of oxygen to the child’s body;
• malnutrition, rickets in a child;
• insufficient quality of child care.

Symptoms of pneumonia

According to the existing classification, pneumonia in children can be unilateral or bilateral; focal (with areas of inflammation 1 cm or more); segmental (inflammation spreads to the entire segment); drain (the process involves several segments); lobar (inflammation is localized in one of the lobes: the upper or lower lobe of the lung).

Inflammation of the lung tissue around the inflamed bronchus is interpreted as bronchopneumonia. If the process extends to the pleura, pleuropneumonia is diagnosed; if fluid accumulates in the pleural cavity, this is already a complicated course of the process and has arisen.

The clinical manifestations of pneumonia largely depend not only on the type of pathogen that caused the inflammatory process, but also on the age of the child. In older children, the disease has more clear and characteristic manifestations, and in children, with minimal manifestations, severe respiratory failure and oxygen starvation can quickly develop. It is quite difficult to predict how the process will develop.

Initially, the baby may experience slight difficulty in nasal breathing, tearfulness, and loss of appetite. Then the temperature suddenly rises (above 38°C) and persists for 3 days or longer, increased breathing and pallor of the skin, pronounced cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle, and sweating appear.

Auxiliary muscles are involved in breathing (the retraction of the intercostal muscles, supra- and subclavian fossae during breathing is visible to the naked eye), and the wings of the nose swell (“sail”). The respiratory rate during pneumonia in an infant is more than 60 per minute, in a child under 5 years old it is more than 50.

A cough may appear on days 5-6, but it may not exist. The nature of the cough can be different: superficial or deep, paroxysmal, unproductive, dry or wet. Sputum appears only if the bronchi are involved in the inflammatory process.

If the disease is caused by Klebsiella (Friedlander's bacillus), then signs of pneumonia appear after previous dyspeptic symptoms (and vomiting), and a cough may appear from the first days of the disease. It is this pathogen that can cause an epidemic outbreak of pneumonia in a children's group.

In addition to palpitations, other extrapulmonary symptoms may occur: muscle pain, skin rashes, diarrhea, confusion. IN early age The baby may appear at high temperatures.

When listening to the child, the doctor may detect weakened breathing in the area of ​​inflammation or asymmetric wheezing in the lungs.

With pneumonia in schoolchildren and adolescents, there are almost always previous minor manifestations. Then the condition returns to normal, and a few days later chest pain and a sharp rise in temperature appear. The cough occurs over the next 2-3 days.

With pneumonia caused by chlamydia, catarrhal manifestations in the pharynx and enlarged neck are noted. And with mycoplasma pneumonia, the temperature may be low, a dry cough and hoarseness may be noted.

With lobar pneumonia and spread of inflammation to the pleura (that is, with lobar pneumonia) breathing and coughing are accompanied severe pain in the chest. The onset of such pneumonia is violent, the temperature rises (with chills) to 40°C. Symptoms of intoxication are expressed: vomiting, lethargy, and possibly delirium. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating may occur.

Herpetic rashes on the lips or wings of the nose and redness of the cheeks often appear on the affected side. Can be . The breath is moaning. The cough is painful. The ratio of respiration and pulse is 1:1 or 1:2 (normally, depending on age, 1:3 or 1:4).

Despite the severity of the child’s condition, when listening to the lungs, scanty data are revealed: weakened breathing, intermittent wheezing.

Lobar pneumonia in children differs from its manifestations in adults:

• “rusty” sputum usually does not appear;
• not everything is always affected lung lobe, more often the process captures 1 or 2 segments;
• signs of lung damage appear later;
• the outcome is more favorable;
• wheezing in the acute phase is heard in only 15% of children, and in almost all of them it is in the resolution stage (moist, persistent, not disappearing after coughing).

Special mention should be made staphylococcal pneumonia, given its tendency to develop complications in the form of abscesses in the lung tissue. Most often, it is a variant of nosocomial pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus, which caused the inflammation, is resistant to Penicillin (sometimes to Methicillin). Outside the hospital, it is recorded in rare cases: in children with an immunodeficiency state and in infants.

Clinical symptoms staphylococcal pneumonia are characterized by higher (up to 40°C) and longer lasting fever (up to 10 days), difficult to respond to antipyretics. The onset is usually acute, and symptoms (blueness of the lips and extremities) increase quickly. Many children experience vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea.

If there is a delay in starting antibacterial therapy, an abscess (abscess) forms in the lung tissue, which poses a danger to the child’s life.

Clinical picture interstitial pneumonia differs in that signs of damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Sleep disturbance is noted, the child is first restless, and then becomes indifferent and inactive.

Heart rate up to 180 per minute may be observed. Severe blueness of the skin, shortness of breath up to 100 breaths in 1 minute. The cough, initially dry, becomes wet. Foamy sputum is characteristic of Pneumocystis pneumonia. Fever within 39°C, wavy in nature.

In older children (preschool and school age), the clinical picture is poor: moderate intoxication, shortness of breath, cough, low-grade fever. The development of the disease can be both acute and gradual. In the lungs, the process tends to develop fibrosis and become chronic. There are practically no changes in the blood. Antibiotics are ineffective.

Diagnostics

Auscultation of the lungs will suggest pneumonia.

Various methods are used to diagnose pneumonia:

• A survey of the child and parents makes it possible to find out not only complaints, but also to establish the timing of the disease and the dynamics of its development, clarify previous diseases and the presence of allergic reactions in the child.
• Examination of the patient gives the doctor a lot of information in case of pneumonia: identifying signs of intoxication and respiratory failure, the presence or absence of wheezing in the lungs and other manifestations. When tapping the chest, the doctor can detect a shortening of the sound over the affected area, but this sign is not observed in all children, and its absence does not exclude pneumonia.

In small children clinical manifestations may be small, but intoxication and respiratory failure will help the doctor suspect pneumonia. At an early age, pneumonia is “seen better than heard”: shortness of breath, retraction of auxiliary muscles, cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle, refusal to eat may indicate pneumonia even if there are no changes when listening to the child.

• An X-ray examination (x-ray) is prescribed if pneumonia is suspected. This method allows not only to confirm the diagnosis, but also to clarify the localization and extent of the inflammatory process. This information will help you assign correct treatment to kid. Great importance This method is also useful for monitoring the dynamics of inflammation, especially in the event of complications (destruction of lung tissue,).
• A clinical blood test is also informative: with pneumonia, the number of leukocytes increases, the number of band leukocytes increases, and the ESR accelerates. But the absence of such changes in the blood characteristic of the inflammatory process does not exclude the presence of pneumonia in children.
• Bacteriological analysis of mucus from the nose and throat, sputum (if possible) allows us to identify the type bacterial pathogen and determine its sensitivity to antibiotics. Virological method makes it possible to confirm the involvement of the virus in the occurrence of pneumonia.
• ELISA and PCR are used to diagnose chlamydial and mycoplasma infections.
• In the case of severe pneumonia, if complications develop, a biochemical blood test, ECG, etc. are prescribed (according to indications).

Treatment

Treatment in a hospital setting is carried out for young children (up to 3 years), and at any age of the child if there are signs of respiratory failure. Parents should not object to hospitalization, as the severity of the condition can increase very quickly.

In addition, when deciding on hospitalization, other factors should be taken into account: malnutrition in the child, developmental abnormalities, the presence of concomitant diseases, the child’s immunodeficiency state, socially vulnerable family, etc.

For older children, treatment can be arranged at home if the doctor is confident that the parents will carefully follow all prescriptions and recommendations. Most important component treatment of pneumonia – antibacterial therapy taking into account the probable pathogen, since it is almost impossible to accurately determine the “culprit” of inflammation: it is not always possible to obtain material for research from a small child; In addition, it is impossible to wait for the results of the study and not start treatment until they are received, so the choice of a drug with the appropriate spectrum of action is based on clinical features and age data of young patients, as well as the doctor’s experience.

The effectiveness of the selected drug is assessed after 1-2 days of treatment based on the improvement of the child’s condition, objective data during examination, and dynamic blood tests (in some cases, repeated radiography).

If there is no effect (preservation of temperature and deterioration of the X-ray picture in the lungs), the drug is changed or combined with a drug from another group.

To treat pneumonia in children, antibiotics from 3 main groups are used: semisynthetic penicillins (Ampicillin, Amoxiclav), cephalosporins of the second and third generations, macrolides (Azithromycin, Rovamycin, Erythromycin, etc.). At severe course diseases, aminoglycosides, imipinemes can be prescribed: they combine drugs from different groups or in combination with Metronidazole or sulfonamides.

So, newborns Ampicillin (Amoxicillin/clavulanate) in combination with cephalosporins is used to treat pneumonia that develops in the early neonatal period (within the first 3 days after birth). III generation or aminoglycoside. Pneumonia in more later occurrence is treated with a combination of cephalosporins and Vacomycin. In case of isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Ceftazidime, Cefoperazone or Imipinem (Tienam) are prescribed.

Babies in the first 6 months after birth, the drug of choice is macrolides (Midecamycin, Josamycin, Spiramycin), because most often in infants it is caused by chlamydia. Pneumocystis pneumonia can also give a similar clinical picture, therefore, if there is no effect, Co-trimoxazole is used for treatment. And for typical pneumonia, the same antibiotics are used as for newborns. If it is difficult to determine the likely pathogen, two antibiotics from different groups are prescribed.

Legionella pneumonia is preferably treated with Rifampicin. For fungal pneumonia, Diflucan, Amphotericin B, and Fluconazole are necessary for treatment.

In case of non-severe community-acquired pneumonia and if the doctor has doubts about the presence of pneumonia, the start of antibacterial therapy can be postponed until the results of the X-ray examination are obtained. In older children, in mild cases, it is better to use internal antibiotics. If antibiotics were administered by injection, then after the condition improves and the temperature normalizes, the doctor transfers the child to internal medications.

Of these drugs, it is preferable to use antibiotics in the form of Solutab: Flemoxin (Amoxicillin), Vilprafen (Josamycin), Flemoclav (Amoxicillin/clavulanate), Unidox (Doxycycline). The Solutab form is very convenient for children: the tablet can be dissolved in water and can be swallowed whole. This form gives less side effects in the form of diarrhea.

Fluoroquinolones can be used in children only in extremely severe cases for health reasons.

• Along with antibiotics or after treatment, it is recommended taking biological products to prevent dysbacteriosis (Linex, Hilak, Bifiform, Bifidumbacterin, etc.).
• Bed rest is prescribed for the period of fever.
• It is important to ensure required volume of liquid in the form of drinks (water, juices, fruit drinks, herbal teas, vegetable and fruit decoction, Oralit) - 1 liter or more, depending on the age of the child. For a child under one year of age, the daily fluid volume is 140 ml/kg body weight, taking into account breast milk or formula. The liquid will ensure normal flow and, to some extent, detoxification: toxic substances will be removed from the body with urine. Intravenous administration of solutions for the purpose of detoxification is used only in severe cases of pneumonia or when complications occur.
• With extensive inflammatory process, in order to prevent destruction of lung tissue in the first 3 days, can be used antiproteases(Gordox, Kontrikal).
• In cases of severe hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) and severe disease, it is used oxygen therapy.
• In some cases, the doctor recommends vitamin preparations.
• Antipyretics Prescribed at high temperatures for children at risk of developing seizures. They should not be given to your child systematically: firstly, fever stimulates defenses and the immune response; secondly, many microorganisms die at high temperatures; thirdly, antipyretics make it difficult to assess the effectiveness of prescribed antibiotics.
• If complications occur in the form of pleurisy, they can be used in a short course; for persistent fever - (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen).
• If a child has a persistent cough, use mucus thinners and facilitating its release. For thick, viscous sputum, mucolytics are prescribed: ACC, Mukobene, Mucomist, Fluimucin, Mukosalvan, Bisolvon, Bromhexine.

A prerequisite for thinning sputum is sufficient drinking, since with a lack of fluid in the body, the viscosity of sputum increases. They are not inferior to these drugs in terms of the mucolytic effect of inhalation with warm alkaline mineral water or 2% solution of baking soda.

• To facilitate the discharge of sputum, it is prescribed expectorants, which increase the secretion of liquid sputum contents and enhance bronchial motility. For this purpose, mixtures with marshmallow root and iodide, ammonia-anise drops, Bronchicum, and “Doctor Mom” are used.

There is also a group of drugs (carbocysteines) that thin mucus and facilitate its passage. These include: Bronkatar, Mucopront, Mucodin. These drugs help restore the bronchial mucosa and increase local mucosal immunity.

As expectorants, you can use infusions of plants (ipecac root, licorice root, nettle herb, plantain, coltsfoot) or preparations based on them (Mukaltin, Eucabal). Cough suppressants are not indicated.

• For each individual child, the doctor decides on the need for antiallergic and bronchodilator drugs. Mustard plasters and cupping are not used in children at an early age.
• The use of general stimulants does not affect the outcome of the disease. Recommendations for their use are not supported by evidence of their effectiveness.
• Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment (microwave, electrophoresis, inductothermy) can be used, although some pulmonologists consider them ineffective for pneumonia. Physical therapy and massage are included in treatment early: after the fever disappears.

The air in the room (ward or apartment) with a sick child should be fresh, humidified and cool (18°C -19°C). You should not force feed your child. As your health and condition improve, your appetite will appear, this is a kind of confirmation of the effectiveness of the treatment.

There are no special dietary restrictions for pneumonia: nutrition must meet age requirements and be complete. A gentle diet may be prescribed in case of bowel dysfunction. In the acute period of illness it is better to give to the child easily digestible foods in small portions.

For dysphagia in infants with aspiration pneumonia you need to select the position of the child during feeding, the thickness of the food, and the size of the hole in the nipple. In particularly severe cases, feeding the child through a tube is sometimes used.

During the recovery period, it is recommended to carry out a set of health measures (rehabilitation course): systematic walks in the fresh air, drinking oxygen cocktails with juices and herbs, massage and physical therapy. The diet of older children should include fresh fruits and vegetables and be complete in composition.

If a child has any foci of infection, they need to be treated (carious teeth, etc.).

After suffering from pneumonia, the child is observed by a local pediatrician for a year; blood tests and examinations by an ENT doctor, an allergist, a pulmonologist, and an immunologist are periodically performed. If the development of chronic pneumonia is suspected, an x-ray examination is prescribed.

In case of relapse of pneumonia, it is carried out thorough examination child in order to exclude immunodeficiency, respiratory abnormalities, congenital and hereditary diseases.

Outcome and complications of pneumonia

Children are prone to developing complications and severe pneumonia. Collateral successful treatment and a favorable outcome of the disease is timely diagnosis and early start antibacterial therapy.

In most cases complete cure uncomplicated pneumonia is achieved in 2-3 weeks. If complications develop, treatment lasts 1.5-2 months (sometimes longer). In particularly severe cases, complications can cause the death of the child. Children may experience recurrent pneumonia and the development of chronic pneumonia.

Complications of pneumonia can be pulmonary or extrapulmonary.

Pulmonary complications include:

• lung abscess (ulcer in the lung tissue);
• destruction of lung tissue (melting of tissue with the formation of a cavity);
• pleurisy;
• broncho-obstructive syndrome (obstruction of the bronchial tubes due to their narrowing, spasm);
• acute respiratory failure (pulmonary edema).

Extrapulmonary complications include:

• infectious-toxic shock;
• , endocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle or the inner and outer lining of the heart);
• sepsis (spread of infection through the blood, damage to many organs and systems);
• or meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the membranes of the brain or the substance of the brain with membranes);
• DIC syndrome (intravascular coagulation);

The most common complications are destruction of lung tissue, pleurisy and increasing pulmonary heart failure. Basically, these complications arise from pneumonia caused by staphylococci, pneumococci, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Such complications are accompanied by an increase in intoxication, high persistent fever, an increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood and an acceleration of ESR. They usually develop in the second week of the disease. The nature of the complication can be clarified by repeated x-ray examination.

Prevention

There are primary and secondary prevention of pneumonia.

Primary prevention includes the following measures:

• hardening of the child’s body from the first days of life;
• quality child care;
• daily exposure to fresh air;
• prevention of acute infections;
• timely sanitation of foci of infection.

There is also vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae and against pneumococcus.

Secondary prevention of pneumonia consists in preventing the occurrence of relapses of pneumonia, preventing reinfection and the transition of pneumonia to a chronic form.

Summary for parents

Pneumonia – common among children serious disease lungs, which can threaten the child’s life, especially at an early age. The successful use of antibiotics has significantly reduced mortality from pneumonia. However, untimely consultation with a doctor, delayed diagnosis and late initiation of treatment can lead to the development of severe (even disabling) complications.

Taking care of your child's health early childhood, strengthening the baby’s defenses, hardening and proper nutrition– the best protection against this disease. In case of illness, parents should not try to diagnose their child themselves, much less treat him. A timely visit to the doctor and strict implementation of all his prescriptions will protect the child from unpleasant consequences diseases.

Which doctor should I contact?

Pneumonia in a child is usually diagnosed by a pediatrician. She is being treated in inpatient conditions pulmonologist. Sometimes additional consultation with an infectious disease specialist or phthisiatrician is necessary. During recovery after past illness It will be useful to visit a physiotherapist, a specialist in physical therapy And breathing exercises. If you have frequent pneumonia, you should contact an immunologist.

We present to your attention a video about this disease.