Pneumonia symptoms in kids

Pneumonia in Children What is pneumonia in children? Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It can be mild or serious. Pneumonia is generally more common in children younger than 5 years old. What causes pneumonia in a child? Pneumonia is most often caused by bacteria or viruses. Some of these bacteria and viruses can be spread by direct contact with a person who is already infected with them. Common bacteria and viruses that may cause pneumonia are: • Streptococcus pneumoniae • Mycoplasma pneumonia. This often causes a mild form of the illness called walking pneumonia. • Group B streptococcus • Staphylococcus aureus • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This is most often seen in children younger than 5 years old. • Parainfluenza virus • Influenza virus • Adenovirus Pneumonia may sometimes be caused by fungi. Which children are at risk for pneumonia? A child is more likely to get pneumonia if he or she has: • Weak immune system, such as from cancer • Ongoing (chronic) health problem, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis • Problems with the lungs or airways In addition, children younger than 1 year old are at risk if they are around secondhand tobacco smoke. This is especially true if their mother smokes. What are the symptoms of pneumonia in a child? Symptoms may be a bit different for each child. They may also depend on what is causing the pneumonia. Cases of bacterial pneumonia tend to happen suddenly with these symptoms: • Cough that produces mucus • Cough pain • Vomiting...

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a virus that often spreads during the winter and spring. hMPV produces symptoms similar to the common cold. Most people have mild cases of hMPV, but some may have complications such as bronchiolitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Inhalers, pain relievers and decongestants can help relieve human metapneumovirus symptoms. Overview What is human metapneumovirus? Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a disease that spreads from person to person through close contact. hMPV usually causes symptoms similar to the Most people will have an hMPV infection before the age of five. This virus reoccurs throughout someone’s life. hMPV infections tend to happen in the winter and early spring, along with the flu season. Who might get human metapneumovirus? Anyone can get hMPV, but people most at risk of complications include: • Children under 5. • People who are • Newborns. • People over 65. • People with asthma who use steroids. • People with How common is human metapneumovirus? Researchers estimate that about 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are related to hMPV. Most cases are mild, but about 5% to 16% of children will develop a lower respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia. Symptoms and Causes What causes hMPV? A virus causes hMPV. It spreads from an infected person when they: • Cough. • Shake hands. • Sneeze. • Touch objects or surfaces. • Touch other people. What are the symptoms of human metapneumovirus? Human metapneumovirus produces sympt...

• A cough, which may be productive of sputum that is clear, yellow, or green. (It's important to note that the cough associated with pneumonia can appear similar or identical to the cough associated with other lung infections such as bronchitis.) • A high fever and chills (sometimes shaking chills) • Chest heaviness • Since the disease can spread to the pleura early, symptoms of pain with a deep breath ( • • • In some cases, symptoms of hemoptysis ( • A rapid • A rapid heart rate (tachycardia) • Other symptoms such as a headache, loss of appetite, muscle aches (myalgia), joint aches (arthralgia), and fatigue • Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea occur relatively often (in up to 20% of people with pneumococcal pneumonia), and can sometimes suggest that bronchitis or an upper respiratory infection has progressed to pneumonia. In older adults, typical symptoms (such as a fever or cough) may be absent, and instead the only symptoms may be confusion or falls. Management/Treating Symptoms The most important step in the management of the earliest stage of pneumonia is prompt recognition. Symptoms that strongly suggest pneumonia (instead of a milder infection) include: Depending on the severity, hospital admission or intensive care unit (ICU) admission may be needed. This is especially true with an elevated respiratory rate, especially a breathing rate greater than 25 to 30 breaths per minute at rest. In the hospital, oximetry is usually used to monitor oxygen levels continually. In...