Pneumonia in a child. What are the symptoms? Ultrasound of the lungs in children. 

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation of the tissues and air sacs of the lungs. The primary causes of inflammation are bacteria and viruses, although it can sometimes be caused by fungi. The incidence of the disease depends on the child's age. Pneumonia most often affects children under 5 years of age. It's important to recognize the symptoms early. It's also important to know the factors that increase the risk of pneumonia in children.

We talk about pneumonia in children with a specialist in family medicine, Dr. Barbara Rusinek, MD.

 Let's start with the factors that increase the risk of pneumonia in a child

Factors that increase the risk of pneumonia in children include male gender, recurrent respiratory infections, immune deficiencies, chronic diseases and developmental defects of the respiratory and circulatory systems. The child's environment also plays a significant role: malnutrition, poor social and living conditions, and exposure to tobacco smoke. The disease is more severe in children under 5 years of age and in premature infants born before 29 weeks of gestation.

 How to recognize pneumonia in a child?

Symptoms of pneumonia in a child include:

• Cough
• Dyspnoea
• Chest pain
• Fever and chills
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness and fatigue
• Paleness and weight loss
• Pain when breathing and taking deep breaths

When should you take your child to the hospital for pneumonia?

The decision to hospitalize a child depends on the severity of symptoms, the child's age, their overall health, and the results of additional tests. The following are indications for hospitalization in a child with pneumonia:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Respiratory disorders
• Rapidly increasing weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Hypoxia
• Dehydration
• Home treatment failure 

 In such cases, hospitalization is necessary to provide appropriate medical care and monitoring. In some cases, intensive care treatment may be necessary, depending on the severity of symptoms and the child's condition.

 Can pneumonia in a child be treated at home?

Pneumonia in a child can be treated at home, but the decision as to whether such treatment is sufficient rests with a doctor. The decision to treat a child in a hospital setting depends on the severity of the disease and the child's condition. Home treatment of pneumonia in a child primarily involves symptomatic treatment and antibiotic therapy, under regular medical supervision. Above all, ensure the child has access to fresh, cool, and well-humidified air. The ambient temperature should be between 18-20°C. Proper hydration and a light, age-appropriate diet are essential. Pain and fever may occur with pneumonia. These can be reduced by administering painkillers and antipyretics appropriately adjusted to the child's body weight.

In each case, the decision on the treatment method rests with the doctor and should be made based on the individual needs and condition of the child.

How long does pneumonia last in a child?

The duration of pneumonia in a child depends on several factors. The child's age, general health, type of infection, and effectiveness of treatment are all important. The illness lasts an average of 7 to 14 days in a child, but can last up to several weeks in more severe cases. It's important to continue treatment and monitor the child's condition until improvement occurs. 

Pneumonia in a child without fever

Pneumonia in children can develop without a fever, but this is uncommon. Other symptoms that may include shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, paleness, lethargy, and loss of appetite. 

Viral pneumonia

Viral pneumonia is one of the most common causes of lung infections in children. It can be caused by a variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, parainfluenza virus, and influenza virus. Symptoms of viral pneumonia can include cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, fever, sore throat, weakness, and loss of appetite. Viral pneumonia can usually be treated with good hygiene and drinking plenty of fluids. More severe cases may require antibiotic therapy or hospitalization. 

Bacterial pneumonia is manifested by high fever, a dry cough that turns into a wet one, and may also include chills and chest pain. 

Indications for performing lung ultrasound in children 

Transthoracic lung ultrasound is recommended in children in the following cases:

• Suspected pneumonia - ultrasound is an effective method used to detect and monitor the course of pneumonia in children,
• Lung Diseases – Can be used to detect and monitor lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema and COPD
• Airway obstruction - Lung ultrasound is often used to detect and monitor airway obstruction, such as tracheal narrowing or bronchial obstruction.

 What is a pediatric lung ultrasound scan?

Transthoracic lung ultrasound in children is a painless and non-invasive imaging test that uses ultrasound waves to create images of the patient's internal organs. Lung ultrasound is quick and safe, performed by qualified medical personnel. It's not without reason that lung ultrasound has recently been called the stethoscope of the 21st century. It allows for precise imaging of a child's lungs. 

Its greatest advantages include: no exposure to X-ray radiation, the ability to observe very small changes that may not be visible on an X-ray image, and the ability to perform the examination multiple times in a short period of time, which also allows for the assessment of treatment effects.

When is a lung ultrasound recommended for a child?

There are many indications for conducting the test, the most important of which are:

• symptoms of acute respiratory infection – suspected bronchitis or pneumonia, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, interstitial lung disease,
• long-term cough,
• to assess the mobility of the diaphragm,
• if you experience chest pain,
• if breathing difficulties occur or the child tires quickly,
• chest injury.

Pneumonia in children may be mild or asymptomatic, which makes early diagnosis of the disease difficult.

Be especially vigilant. Contact your pediatrician if your child notices any of the symptoms mentioned above; even a mild, persistent cough can be a sign of an underlying bacterial infection. When in doubt, it's always recommended to consult a pediatrician. Regular medical checkups and prompt response to unusual symptoms allow for early diagnosis and treatment. Effective treatment can prevent potential hospitalization.

Transthoracic lung ultrasound in children is performed at CM Luxmed at 7 Orkana Street, online .