Question
A 3-year-old child has a slight cough and has had pneumonia in the past. The inquiry is whether this could be a recurrence of pneumonia, and how to seek help and what medications to take.
Answer
Pneumonia is inflammation of the terminal airways, alveoli, and interstitial lung tissue, which can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and mycoplasma. In children, symptoms may be mild or even absent, such as a slight cough. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Under no circumstances should any medication be administered to a child without a doctor’s diagnosis and recommendation. Treatment for pneumonia typically includes antibiotics and medications to control symptoms.