The main signs of pneumonia in children

Pneumonia is a fairly common and dangerous disease. It affects both adults and patients of childhood. And it's no secret that for a child such a disease is more dangerous. That's why many parents are interested in questions about what are the main signs of pneumonia in children. After the earlier the disease is diagnosed and the treatment is started, the more chances for a quick recovery without complications.

What are the signs of pneumonia in newborns?

In fact, it is much more difficult to detect pneumonia in infants . And in fact at this age the inflammation is most dangerous. Nevertheless, there are some symptoms that can not be ignored in any way.

A few days before the onset of a severe inflammatory process, the child's state of health deteriorates sharply. You can notice some catarrhal phenomena, in particular, the baby's nasal breathing is difficult, and with each inhalation the wings of the nose swell too much. Along with this, the appetite worsens, and the baby becomes irritable, constantly crying and not sleeping well - these are the first signs of pneumonia.

Only after this, the body temperature rises sharply. The child's breathing and heartbeat increase. When exhaling, you can hear characteristic grunting sounds. Approximately on 5 or 6 day there is a cough.

Signs of pneumonia in children and adolescents

Certainly, the manifestation of the symptoms of pneumonia depends on the age of the child. In older children, inflammation proceeds approximately according to the same pattern as in adults.

First, there are problems with breathing, after which the body temperature rises to 38-39 degrees. Along with this, the state of health worsens: the child becomes irritable, complains of weakness, fatigue and drowsiness, refuses to eat, loses interest in games. This is how the first signs of pneumonia in children look.

Unfortunately, most parents confuse these symptoms with a common cold and try to treat their children themselves, which is undoubtedly a mistake. It is worth noting that, unlike the flu, fever in pneumonia lasts much longer.

A few days later, there is a severe dry cough. Attacks in most cases are extremely unpleasant - the child complains of pain in the chest and back, which occurs during coughing. Often, there are periodic headaches.

As the disease develops, the character of the cough changes - it becomes wet and is accompanied by the release of purulent sputum. In some cases, the mucus to be separated has a brownish, sometimes even rusty, hue. It is impossible to hesitate with therapy in any case, as these are the most dangerous signs of pneumonia in children.

Pneumonia in a child: what to do?

In no case can you do self-medication or ignore the problem - a sick child should be urgently shown to a specialist. Only after the examination the doctor can accurately diagnose the disease.

Mild forms of the disease do not require hospitalization. Treatment is carried out at home and provides antibacterial therapy with antibiotics, as well as the use of expectorants or mucolytic drugs. The child needs peace, warmth, bed rest, copious drink and a full-fledged diet. In the most severe cases, therapy is performed in a hospital setting.