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Pneumonia can occur after a cold or flu, especially in the winter season. It is caused by viruses and bacteria. A virus called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of viral pneumonia in infants and young children. Pneumonia can affect any age. However, it can be more common and severe in infants and young children.

Pneumonia affects the chest or lungs. In pneumonia, the lungs swell and fill with fluid, which causes cough and makes breathing difficult.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Sometimes it is difficult to know whether it is just a severe cold or something else. Cough is one of the earliest symptoms of pneumonia. In some babies, pneumonia becomes severe and requires hospital treatment. Take your baby to the doctor in the following situations:

1.    Fever over 102 degrees with sweating and shivering
2.    Severe cough
3.    Thick yellow, green, brown, or blood-stained mucus
4.    Looking unwell
5.    Lacking desire for food
6.    Shortness of breath (a thick, whistling sound when breathing in)
7.    Lips and fingernails are blue.
8.    Nausea and vomiting
9.    fever remains after starting antibiotics

To prevent pneumonia:

·       Keep your children away from the people infected with colds and coughs.
·       Keep your children away from smokers.
·       Give them a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods.
·       Make sure they are getting plenty of sleep.
·       Maintain hygiene in your house with a disinfectant.
·       Make sure they are taking plenty of rest.
·       Make sure they have ample water and fluid.

Treatment of pneumonia in children

Your child’s doctor may ask for a chest x-ray and a sample test of his or her mucus checked for germs. This is called a sputum culture. Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medication to reduce fever.  He can ask to use a cool-mist vaporizer. The vaporizer may make breathing easier and reduce coughing.  Follow the appointments with the Nearby Child Specialist Doctor. Follow the medication as directed, even if your child is feeling better.

Dr. Vipin Jain, the Best Pediatrician in Noida provides world-class child health facilities. He is an expert in handling all pediatric and neonatal emergencies.