Question
A 12-year-old boy recently discovered some abnormalities during a physical examination. What are the reasons for heart failure caused by pediatric pneumonia?
Answer
The reasons for heart failure caused by pediatric pneumonia mainly include:
- The physiological characteristics of the child’s heart. Since the heart has not fully matured during infancy, myocardial fibers are finer, with loose weaving, less connective tissue, and fewer elastic fibers. During growth, the heart is under greater pressure, making it more susceptible to failure.
- Pre-existing conditions in the child. If the child has pre-existing conditions such as congenital heart disease or rickets, the heart is already under heavy load. Once infected with pneumonia, it is more likely to lead to heart failure.