Pneumonia

“Pneumonia No More: Let us Resolve to Protect Children’s Respiratory Health”

Pneumonia in children is nothing but a serious battle fought within fragile chests, where every breath becomes a precious feat. Within these young souls, pneumonia can threaten their health and steal their laughter. 

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in India. It is estimated that pneumonia accounts for a significant proportion of child deaths, particularly in children under the age of five. 

However, one must understand that with prompt medical care, pneumonia does not have to be scary for children. Together with the support of medical heroes, we can save our children from pneumonia and help them lead happy and healthy lives.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia, a lung infection, occurs when the tiny air sacs in the lungs, usually filled with air, become filled with pus and fluid in individuals with pneumonia leading to respiratory distress and impaired lung function.

Pneumonia can be of two types:

1. Bronchial pneumonia(bronchopneumonia): This type causes scattered patches throughout both lungs, causing widespread inflammation and infection
2. Lobar pneumonia: This refers to the infection that specifically targets one or more sections, known as lobes, of the lungs.

Depending on what caused the pneumonia, it can be classified as:

1. Bacterial pneumonia
2. Viral pneumonia
3. Mycoplasma pneumonia

Symptoms

Pneumonia can cause a range of symptoms in children depending on the cause as well as the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include the following:

1. Cough, which may be dry or produce phlegm.
2. Rapid or laboured breathing.
3. Fever, often accompanied by chills.
4. Chest pain or discomfort, especially during coughing or breathing deeply.
5. Fatigue or irritability.
6. Loss of appetite.
7. Bluish tint to the lips or nails (in severe cases).
8. Wheezing or noisy breathing.
9. Nasal congestion or runny nose.
10. Vomiting or diarrhoea (more common in younger children)

If children feel any of these symptoms, they must seek immediate medical attention before the pneumonia gets worse.

Causes

Pneumonia can have varying causes in children. The most common ones are as follows:

1. Bacterial Infections
2. Viral Infections
3. Fungal Infections
4. Aspiration
5. Weakened immune system
6. Environmental Factors:

Diagnosing Pneumonia at Giggles Hospital

At Giggles Hospital for Best Children Hospital in Kukatpally, diagnosing pneumonia in children is done through a comprehensive approach including medical history review, thorough physical examination, chest X-ray imaging, blood tests, and other necessary diagnostic procedures to ensure accurate and prompt diagnosis for effective treatment. To diagnose Pneumonia, doctors may perform the following:

1. Physical Examination
2. Chest X-ray
3. Chest CT Scan
4. Blood Tests
5. Sputum Culture
6. Pleural fluid culture
7. Pulse oximetry
8. Bronchoscopy
9. Nasal Swab or Throat Swab

Treatment for Pneumonia at Giggles Hospital

Treatment for Pneumonia will depend on several factors including the age and health of the child, severity of the condition, cause of pneumonia, etc. Common treatments include:

• Medication to relieve symptoms
• Antibiotics
• Antiviral Medications
• Supportive Care
• Oxygen Therapy
• Hospitalisation

At Giggles Hospital, we provide comprehensive treatment for pneumonia in children, which may include appropriate medication, supportive care, monitoring, and personalised treatment plans to ensure a speedy recovery and the best possible outcome for every child. Our experienced ​​Paediatric doctors are dedicated to providing high-quality care and ensuring the well-being of young patients.

Why Choose Giggles Hospitals?

At Giggles Hospitals for Paediatric emergency, we understand how pneumonia can lead to other complications in children. We, therefore, resolve to quickly cater to the needs of every child suffering from pneumonia. With advanced medical interventions, compassionate care, and a commitment to children’s well-being, Giggles Hospital is your trusted partner in fighting childhood pneumonia. Contact us today to ensure your child receives the highest quality care promptly for a brighter, healthier future. Together, let’s conquer pneumonia and bring back the smiles to our little ones.