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By ULY CLINIC staff

 

Pneumonia in Children

Introduction


Pneumonia is the inflammation of the lung parenchyma presenting without signs
of respiratory distress.

 

Diagnostic Criteria

  • Cough or difficulty in breathing.

  • Fast breathing

Causes

Various number of infectious agents can cause pneumonia in children including viruses, bacteria and fungi. The most common being;

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae 

  • Respiratory syncytial virus is the most common viral cause of pneumonia in infants infected with HIV

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

  • Pneumocystis jiroveci is one of the most common in HIV

Investigations

 

  • No investigations required


Treatment

 

  • Treat the child as outpatient


Non Pharmacological

 

  • Encourage breastfeeding, balanced diet and adequate fluid intake.

 

Pharmacological

 

  1. Give Amoxicillin DT PO 40mg/kg 12 hourly for 5 days

  2. For children above 5years, atypical pneumonia should be considered e.g. mycoplasma. Give macrolide as a drug of choice see below:

  • Erythromycin PO 12.5mg/kg 6 hourly for 5 days in pneumonia

  • Azithromycin PO 10mg/kg once daily for 5 days in pneumonia
     

Note:

  • Bring the child back after 2 days or earlier if the child becomes sicker or is unable to breast feed or drink.

  • On the second day, if breathing has improved (respiratory rate is within normal range for age), there is less fever (<37.5°C axillary), and the child is eating better, complete the 5 days of antibiotic treatment.

Risk factors for pneumonia in children

The following risk factors for pneumonia in children include

  • Air pollution caused by cooking indoor using dung or firewood

  • Living in crowded homes

  • Cigarette/ tobacco Smoke

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Last updated on 23.08.2020

References

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