Question
We have a newborn at home who got pneumonia less than ten days after birth. I want to know how can a baby get pneumonia without having any contact with the outside world?
Answer
The main cause of neonatal pneumonia is due to the shorter trachea, relatively dry lumen, and poor ciliary clearance ability, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the lungs. Additionally, the lung tissue of newborns is not fully differentiated, with fewer alveoli and relatively rich pulmonary blood vessels, making them prone to congestion and inflammation. Their low immune function also makes them susceptible to infections. If the mother has a contagious disease before delivery, the pathogen can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, leading to pneumonia. Pneumonia is usually caused by colds and tracheitis, among other diseases. If not treated promptly, it can easily spread to the lungs and cause pneumonia.