Question
Unfortunately, a newborn has contracted pneumonia and has been hospitalized for a week. The family is worried about when their baby can be discharged. The doctor says the condition is improving, but the specific discharge date is not yet clear. How long does the treatment for neonatal pneumonia typically last?
Answer
The typical symptoms of neonatal pneumonia include rapid breathing, coughing, expectoration of frothy sputum, reduced milk intake, and thickened respiratory sounds upon auscultation of the lungs. Chest X-rays may show thickened lung textures and patchy shadows. Treatment usually involves anti-infection therapy, with a treatment period of approximately two weeks. If the baby is coughing with sputum, parents should gently pat their baby’s back to help clear the sputum. During the treatment process, parents should closely monitor their baby’s condition changes and follow the doctor’s instructions for care.