Question
What Are the Symptoms of Pediatric Pneumonia?
Answer
First, look out for fever. Children with pneumonia often have a fever, with body temperatures typically above 38°C, lasting for two to three days. Antipyretics may only temporarily lower the temperature before it rises again. While children can also have fevers from colds, the temperature is usually below 38°C, and the duration is shorter with more pronounced effects from antipyretics. Second, observe coughing and breathing. To determine if a child has pneumonia, check for coughing, wheezing, and whether breathing is difficult. Coughing and wheezing caused by colds or bronchitis are usually intermittent and do not typically cause difficulty breathing. If coughing and wheezing are severe and the resting breathing rate increases (i.e., less than 2-month-old infants have a respiratory rate ≥60 times/minute; 2-12-month-old infants have a respiratory rate ≥50 times/minute; 1-5-year-old children have a respiratory rate ≥40 times/minute), it indicates a serious condition that should not be delayed. Third, consider the child’s mental state. If a child is in good spirits while having fever and coughing, it suggests a lower likelihood of pneumonia. Conversely, if the child has a poor mental state, blue lips, restlessness, crying or drowsiness, the possibility of pneumonia is higher. In the early stages of pneumonia, a child may not show any significant changes in mental state or may appear to be in poor condition. Fourth, look at appetite. Children with pneumonia often show a significant decrease in appetite, refusing to eat or crying and being restless when fed. After a confirmed diagnosis of pneumonia, continue to feed the child, but if the child’s appetite decreases, opt for smaller meals more frequently. For breastfeeding infants, increase the number of feedings per day.