Pneumonia in a young child. How to recognize the first signs of pneumonia in children

You are a fairly active person who cares and thinks about your respiratory system and health in general, continue to play sports, healthy lifestyle life, and your body will delight you throughout your life, and no bronchitis will bother you. But do not forget to undergo examinations on time, maintain your immunity, this is very important, do not overcool, avoid severe physical and strong emotional overload.

It's time to start thinking about what you're doing wrong...

You are at risk, you should think about your lifestyle and start taking care of yourself. Physical education is obligatory, and even better, start playing sports, choose the sport that you like best and turn it into a hobby (dancing, cycling, gym or just try to walk more). Do not forget to treat colds and flu in time, they can lead to complications in the lungs. Be sure to work with your immunity, temper yourself, be in nature as often as possible and fresh air. Don't forget to pass scheduled annual surveys treat lung diseases initial stages much easier than in running. Avoid emotional and physical overload, smoking or contact with smokers, if possible, exclude or minimize.

It's time to sound the alarm! In your case, the likelihood of getting pneumonia is huge!

You are completely irresponsible about your health, thereby destroying the work of your lungs and bronchi, pity them! If you want to live long, you need to radically change your whole attitude towards the body. First of all, go through an examination with specialists such as a general practitioner and a pulmonologist, you need to take radical measures Otherwise, things may end badly for you. Follow all the recommendations of doctors, radically change your life, it may be worth changing your job or even your place of residence, absolutely eliminate smoking and alcohol from your life, and reduce contact with people who have such addictions to a minimum, harden, strengthen your immunity, as much as possible be outdoors more often. Avoid emotional and physical overload. Completely exclude all aggressive products from everyday use, replace them with natural ones, natural remedies. Do not forget to do wet cleaning and airing the room at home.

Pneumonia in children is an acute infectious and inflammatory process of various etiologies. The mechanisms of the development of the disease are associated with a predominant lesion of the respiratory sections of the lungs.

The respiratory sections of the lungs are the anatomical structures located behind the terminal bronchi - the respiratory, alveolar ducts and alveoli. The incidence of pneumonia in children in the first year of life is 15-20 per 1,000 children, from 1 year to 3 years - 5-6 per 1,000 children. The following diseases may be predisposing factors in children: perinatal aspiration pathology, malnutrition, congenital heart disease with circulatory insufficiency, immunodeficiency states.

In older children, foci are predisposing factors chronic infection, passive and active smoking, hypothermia.

According to the etiology, acute pneumonia is divided into:

bacterial;
viral;
mycoplasma;
rickettsial;
fungal;
allergic;
pneumonia arising from helminth invasions;
pneumonia that occurs when exposed to physical and chemical factors.

There are seven forms of bacterial pneumonia:

pneumococcal;
friednender;
Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
hemophilic;
streptococcal;
staphylococcal;
a group of pneumonias caused by Proteus and Escherichia coli.

The most common viral pneumonias are:

flu pneumonia;
adenovirus pneumonia;
parainfluenza pneumonia;
respiratory sontic pneumonia.

In accordance with the causes and mechanisms of occurrence, primary and secondary pneumonia are distinguished. The latter occur against the background of exacerbations chronic diseases broncho-pulmonary system and others somatic diseases child.

For the occurrence of pneumonia in a child, in addition to bacterial or viral agents, a certain set of factors is necessary:

the entry of mucus into the lungs from the upper respiratory tract - the aerogenic route;
entry of a microorganism into the bronchi;
destruction of the protective mechanisms of the respiratory tract;
hematogenous, lymphogenous pathways of infection.

When pneumonia occurs in children, ventilation of the lungs and gas exchange are disturbed, the nutrition of the ventricular myocardium is reduced. According to the extent of pneumonia lesions can be segmental, lobar, total, unilateral and bilateral. Hypoxia with hypercapnia, which develops as a result of disturbances in both external, pulmonary and tissue respiration, plays an important role in the mechanism of pneumonia development.

Clinical symptoms of pneumonia depend on the type of pneumonia, the magnitude and prevalence of the process. At focal pneumonia(bronchopneumonia) the process is acute or subacute and develops on the 5-7th day of acute respiratory disease in the form of its second wave.

The following symptoms are characteristic:

temperature increase;
weakness;
headache;
pain in the chest or under the shoulder blades;
cough;
increased intoxication.

Above the affected area, there is a shortening of the percussion sound, with auscultation - bronchophony, weakened breathing, sometimes crepitus. Radiologically, an increase in the pulmonary pattern between the foci of inflammation and lung roots. In the blood test, neutrophilic leukocytosis is determined with a shift to the left, an increase in ESR.

Segmental pneumonia

In the case of the hematogenous route of spread, one or more segments of the lung are affected. Usually the right segments are most often affected. Segmental pneumonia begins acutely with an increase in temperature, symptoms of intoxication are usually expressed, pain appears in the area chest, sometimes - in the stomach, cough - rare. Symptoms appear respiratory failure, objective data are weakly expressed. Secondary segmental pneumonia develops against the background of an ongoing respiratory infection, while the symptoms of intoxication are mild. Segmental pneumonia is radiologically manifested in separate foci, which merge, and then capture the entire segment.

Croupous pneumonia

The inflammatory process captures the lobe of the lung or part of it and the pleura. Occurs rarely. Often caused by pneumococcus. The beginning is sharp. The disease begins with dizziness, deterioration of health, a sharp headache. The temperature is up to 40-41 ° C, often patients complain of chills. Cough in the first three days is rare, dry, then - with the release of rusty sputum. Cyanosis and shortness of breath appear quickly. Often, children develop an abdominal syndrome, manifested by pain in the navel, flatulence, and vomiting. There are four stages in the course of lobar pneumonia.

At the first stage - the stages of the tide, - a shortening of the percussion sound with a tympanic shade, weakened breathing, crepitus is periodically heard. In the second stage hyperemia of the face develops, often on the side of the lesion, a serious condition. On the side of the lesion, a shortening of the percussion sound is determined, bronchial breathing, bronchophony. Wheezes are not audible. Third stage develops on the 4th-7th day - the cough intensifies, the temperature drops, often critically. percussion sound takes on a tympanic shade, crepitus appears.

In the fourth stage - stages of resolution, - temperature decreases, frequent cough, there are abundant different-sized wheezing. Read more about wheezing here. On radiographs, the staging of the process is also determined: in the first stage - strengthening of the vascular pattern, limitation of diaphragm mobility; in the second stage, dense shadows appear corresponding to the lobes with the involvement of the root and pleura; in the third and fourth stages, infiltration disappears gradually.

With croupous pneumonia, there is a sharp neutrophilic leukocytosis with a shift to the left, an acceleration of ESR. Atypically proceeds lobar pneumonia in young children. Usually the main symptoms of the disease are not clearly expressed. Under influence antibiotic therapy stages of the inflammatory process are shortened. In the case of irrational therapy, a protracted course of the disease occurs.

Interstitial pneumonia

Interstitial pneumonia occurs with viral, mycoplasmal, pneumocystis, fungal and staphylococcal infections. More often this pneumonia is registered in premature and newborn children, as well as against the background of dystrophy, immunodeficiency states in children. The disease may be accompanied by severe intoxication, it is possible to fall blood pressure, in addition, changes in the central nervous system are often noted, as well as gastrointestinal tract. There is a debilitating cough with scanty frothy sputum. With interstitial pneumonia, swelling of the chest is noted. Percussion - tympanitis. Single crepitating and dry rales are heard against the background of weakened breathing. X-ray reveals emphysema, perebronchial infiltration, cellularity of the interstitial-vascular pattern. On the part of the blood, leukocytosis, an increase in ESR is detected.

Diagnosis of pneumonia

Diagnosis is carried out on the basis of clinical and radiological data.

Clinical symptoms are:

temperature reaction;
signs of respiratory failure: shortness of breath, cyanosis, participation in breathing of auxiliary muscles;
persistent auscultatory and percussion deviations from the lungs;
radiographically - focal, segmental, lobar infiltrative shadows;
on the part of the blood: leukocytosis, neutrophilia, increased ESR;
effect of ongoing etiological therapy.

The course of pneumonia in children depends on the etiology, age and presence of various concomitant diseases. Pneumonia caused by hospital strains is especially severe. Staphylococcus aureus or Gram-negative bacteria. The course of pneumonia in these cases is characterized by early abscess formation, a rapid breakthrough of the inflammatory focus into the pleura and the occurrence of pyopneumothorax with a rapid course of the disease.

In the neonatal period, pneumonia has a serious prognosis. There are acquired and intrauterine pneumonia of newborns. Intrauterine pneumonia occurs as a result of infection of the fetus during pregnancy or aspiration of infected amniotic fluid, while aspiration can be both intrauterine and intranatal. In newborns, pneumonia is often accompanied by atelectasis, as well as destruction of the lung tissue.

Allergic predisposition may play an important role in the development of pneumonia. external factors and the occurrence of catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membranes. With these pneumonias, the addition of an asthmatic syndrome is characteristic. The course of pneumonia in these cases takes a recurrent character. In children with rickets, pneumonia develops more often and has a protracted course. In children with malnutrition occurs more often due to a significant decrease in immunity, there is a weak severity of symptoms of pneumonia.

Treatment of pneumonia in children

In the case of moderate and severe forms, children are subject to inpatient treatment. Children of the first year of life - in all forms.

Treatment of pneumonia is carried out in a complex manner and consists of:

the use of etiotropic agents;
oxygen therapy in the development of respiratory failure;
prescribing drugs that improve bronchial conduction;
the use of means and methods that ensure the transport of oxygen in the blood;
the appointment of drugs that improve the processes of tissue respiration;
the use of drugs that improve metabolic processes in the body.

Nutrition of the child should correspond to the age and needs of the child's body. However, during the period of intoxication, food should be mechanically and chemically gentle. In connection with cough, foods containing particles that can be aspirated are excluded from the diet. An additional liquid in the form of a drink is prescribed. For this, decoctions of wild rose, blackcurrant, juices are used.

Immediately after admission to the hospital, sputum is taken, swabs for bacteriological examination, then etiotropic treatment is prescribed, which is carried out under the control of clinical efficacy, and subsequently, taking into account the results of sputum sensitivity to antibiotics. In the case of community-acquired pneumonia, macrolides of a new generation are prescribed. In the case of nosocomial pneumonia, cephalosporins of the second, third generations and antibiotics of the reserve group are prescribed.

With pneumonia in children resulting from intrauterine infection, appoint a new generation of macrolides - spiromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin. In the case of pneumonia in children with immunodeficiencies, cephalosporins of the third and fourth generations are prescribed. With a mixed infection, the interaction of the causative agent of influenza and staphylococcus, along with the introduction of antibiotics a wide range action, anti-influenza y-globulin is introduced in 3-6 ml.

Antibiotics are used in a complex according to the following scheme:

cephalosporins;
cephalosporins plus aminoglycosides.

Mucolytic therapy, bronchodilators, physiotherapy, immunocorrective treatment are prescribed. When secretion accumulates in respiratory tract it is necessary to remove the contents of the nasopharynx, larynx, large bronchi. With severe symptoms of respiratory failure, oxygen therapy is used.

With signs of heart failure, cardiac glycosides are prescribed - strophanthin, as well as sulfakamphokain. Immunotherapy is also used. In the treatment of pneumonia, symptomatic and post-syndromic therapy is carried out. In the recovery period great importance have breathing exercises, physiotherapeutic methods of treatment. To improve the drainage function of the bronchi, agents are used that increase sputum secretion or liquefy it.

Expectorants:

sodium benzoate
Ammonium chloride
Potassium iodide
Bromhexine
Terpinhydrate
thermopsis
N-acetylcystine
Mukaltin
Pertusin
marshmallow root
licorice root
Elixir chest
anise fruit
Leaves coltsfoot

Drugs that reduce bronchospasm are used. Euphyllin belongs to them.

Forecast

The prognosis for the timely use of antibiotic therapy is favorable. Those discharged from the hospital during the period of clinical recovery are taken for dispensary registration. After discharge from the hospital for 2-4 weeks, the child should not visit childcare facilities. Children under six months are examined once a week for the first month, then twice a month; from six to twelve months - once every ten days during the first month, then once a month. After one year to three years - once in the first month, then - once every three months.

Children are examined by an otolaryngologist and pulmonologist after the age of three - a month after discharge from the hospital, then - once a quarter. Rehabilitation in departments of hospitals or in sanatoriums is optimal. The mode is assigned with the maximum use of fresh air. Respiratory gymnastics, exercise therapy with a gradual increase are prescribed daily. physical activity. Nutrition should be rational for the appropriate age. Medical rehabilitation carried out on an individual basis. Stimulating therapy is carried out by repeated 2-3-week courses: sodium nucleate, methyluracil, dibazol, ginseng, aloe, eleutherococcus infusion, vitamins B for these purposes, phytotherapy is also used. It is used for the rehabilitation of the bronchi and a calming effect on the central nervous system: marshmallow root, peppermint leaf, sage herb, elecampane root, coltsfoot, Linden blossom, pine buds, thyme, etc. In children prone to allergic reactions, it is used with great care. Physiotherapy is widely used. Mustard plasters, alkaline and phytoinhalations, compresses, ozocerite applications on the chest. Chest massage is widely used. After pneumonia, sanatorium treatment is recommended in local sanatoriums, as well as in the resorts of Gagra, Nalchik, Gelendzhik, New Athos, and the southern coast of Crimea.

Contraindications to sanatorium treatment are:

activity of the inflammatory process in the broncho-pulmonary system;
signs of an asthmatic condition;
presence of cor pulmonale.

To primary prevention include a healthy lifestyle of parents, which excludes the impact of hazards on the fetus during pregnancy, rational feeding of children, tempering procedures.

Secondary prevention includes:

prevention and treatment of CVD;
early hospitalization of children with pneumonia with aggravated premorbid background;
timely treatment of malnutrition, rickets, immunodeficiency states;
rehabilitation of chronic foci of infection.

Pneumonia- heavy and dangerous disease children from newborns. greatest danger represent complications that threaten disability and death. Currently, mortality from childhood pneumonia reaches 20% and is in first place.

In contact with

Definition

Pneumonia- acute infectious inflammatory disease of the lung tissue ( inflammation of the lung). The lobes of the lung, its segments, groups of alveoli and the interalveolar space are affected. This is an infection that affects the lowest parts of the respiratory system.

In pneumonia, instead of air, the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid. As a result, affected part of a lung stops absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, breathing becomes painful. As a result, the body quickly develops oxygen starvation.

Pneumonia usually develops against a background of a viral infection.

Transmission routes:

penetration into the lungs of viruses and bacteria present in the nose and throat of the child
airborne route - from the sick to the healthy when coughing and sneezing
through the blood - during pregnancy, childbirth and immediately after them.

The chance of getting pneumonia increases in immunocompromised children, and the younger the child, the more likely it is.

Causes

bacteria- pneumococci, Escherichia and Haemophilus influenzae;
viruses- influenza, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, cytomegaloviruses, etc.;
mycoplasma;
pathogenic fungi(genus Candida).

Risk factors

Infectious diseases of a pregnant woman. More often, the lungs of children are affected by the herpes virus and chlamydia;
frequent inflammatory diseases(otitis media, acute respiratory infections,);
congenital malformations, especially of the heart and lungs, rickets, diathesis;
weakening of the immune system due to insufficient or improper nutrition of artificial feeding;
oncology and blood diseases;
HIV infection;
negative environmental impact:
living in crowded, damp, cold rooms
polluted indoor air, poor ventilation
parents smoking
rare exposure to fresh air.

Signs of pneumonia

The disease can occur in acute and chronic form.

Acute course- it's fast developing inflammation with severe symptoms. Characterized by the spread of the disease throughout the body.

Temperature- rises to almost 38 ° C and lasts more than 3 days;
dyspnea- there is rapid breathing;
cough- dry at the beginning of the disease, then becomes wet. ;
cyanosis(blueness) of lips and skin as a result of lack of oxygen;
organism intoxication – poor appetite, lethargy, fatigue, excessive sweating;
nervous system disorders- tearfulness, irritability, headache, sleep disturbances, delirium, convulsions, loss of consciousness;
cardiovascular failure- weak and frequent pulse, cold extremities, low blood pressure.

chronic course- not a specific inflammatory process. Most often the result acute pneumonia complicated or taking a protracted course. Accompanied by irreversible changes and deformities in the lungs and bronchi. It develops in children under 3 years of age (usually up to 1 year), has an undulating course with exacerbations and remissions. According to the severity, small forms of the disease and bronchiectasis are distinguished.

Signs (symptoms) of small forms:

Exacerbations- no more than 1 - 2 times a year;
temperature- for a long time keeps within 37 - 38оС;
cough wet, with the release of up to 30 ml of purulent or mucopurulent sputum per day. Sputum may be absent;
general state- not disturbed, there are no signs of intoxication.

Signs (symptoms) of bronchiectasis variant:

Exacerbations– 3 – 5 times or more per year;
temperature- during exacerbation, it rises to 38 ° C and above;
cough wet, constantly with sputum. During periods of exacerbations, the amount of sputum reaches 100 ml;
general state- children may fall behind physical development and have signs of chronic intoxication.

Types and their features

Focal
Segmental.
Croupous
Interstitial.
Destructive.
Atypical.

Have you noticed shortness of breath, weakness, loss of appetite,? Read the article about, it may help prevent the development of the disease.

Diagnostics

Collection of anamnesis
radiography.

Differential Diagnosis

- there are no wheezing and shortness of breath, a blood test and an x-ray are normal, and the most characteristic difference is aphonia (loss of voice);

At the appearance of the first sign, hara

Types and their features

Focal(bronchopneumonia). It appears on the 5th - 7th day of acute respiratory disease in children aged 1 - 2 years. With treatment, the manifestations disappear without a trace after 7 to 12 days.
Segmental. It is common in children 3-7 years old, but occurs at any age. It is characterized by the defeat of one segment. With treatment, the symptoms disappear after 2 to 3 weeks. In the case of advanced disease, the formation of bronchiectasis is possible.
Croupous(lobar). It is caused by pneumococcus and is rare. Inflamed lung lobe or pleura. Currently occurs more often in atypical form. Recovery after 1-2 weeks. With irrational treatment, it turns into a protracted pathology.
Interstitial. It is caused by viruses, mycoplasmas, pneumocystis, less often by fungi and staphylococci. It is typical for premature and newborns, in older ones - against the background of dystrophy, diathesis, HIV infection. One of the most dangerous species, accompanied by vascular lesions. The course is long, it can develop into pneumofibrosis and bronchiectasis. With high intoxication, a lethal outcome is possible.
Destructive. It is typical for children under one year old, more often premature or after antibiotic therapy. It proceeds very rapidly, is characterized by severe intoxication. Often becomes chronic or ends in death.
Atypical. Pathogens - more often "hospital" strains of microbes: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus. They are highly resistant to antibiotics and require specific treatment.

A complication of pneumonia can be pleurisy, in order to prevent its occurrence, find out information about it in this.

Have you noticed shortness of breath, weakness, loss of appetite, dry cough? Read the article about, it may help prevent the development of the disease.

Diagnostics

Collection of anamnesis(information about the development of the disease);
external examination of the patient, percussion and auscultation of the chest. Consider pallor and cyanosis of the skin, shortness of breath, sweating and other characteristic symptoms;
Finger blood lab test- with pneumonia, it is characterized by an increase in the number of leukocytes (with a bacterial origin of the pathogen) or lymphocytes (with a viral origin) and ESR;
radiography. The main and most accurate diagnostic method. Only after an x-ray examination can one speak with confidence about pneumonia and its specific form;
analysis of biochemical parameters of blood. It is necessary to identify the effect of inflammation on other organs (kidneys, liver).

Differential Diagnosis

Acute pneumonia must be differentiated from a number of similar diseases.

The most accurate criterion for differentiating pneumonia from bronchitis and bronchiolitis is a radiograph, with the presence of focal or infiltrative changes on it;
with laryngotracheitis - there are no wheezing and shortness of breath, a dry, barking cough, a blood test and an x-ray are normal, and the most characteristic difference is aphonia (loss of voice);
the most accurate differentiation in tuberculosis is the Mantoux reaction;
Muscoviscidosis is characterized by a gradual onset of the disease, normal temperature body and high level sweat chlorides;
in the presence of foreign body there is no intoxication in the bronchi, the temperature is normal, the final differentiation is made according to the anamnesis and the results of bronchoscopy;
heart failure is characterized by a gradual onset, the absence of intoxication and fever, a blood test shows anemia or polycythemia, an ECG must be done;
whooping cough is differentiated by a blood test for specific antibodies;
measles is distinguished by a dry cough, normal analysis blood and the presence of blepharospasm.

Pneumonia is serious and dangerous disease. It is possible to reduce its harmfulness and mortality with the help of prevention and attentive attitude to the well-being of children.

When the first signs characteristic of pneumonia appear, immediately consult a pediatrician. Only he can prescribe timely and rational treatment.

Pneumonia, also known as pneumonia, has always been considered a dangerous disease, even for adults. What can we say about the child. Even now, despite the development of the pharmaceutical industry, the invention of a new generation of antimicrobials, it has a high percentage of complications and ranks 4th among other causes of death among the population after heart disease, oncology, and poisoning.

Symptoms and signs

Symptoms of pneumonia in children do not always appear immediately. The disease is insidious, it can hide for a while, then abruptly declare itself. Sometimes it masquerades as the common cold.

But it is much worse when there are no respiratory signs (occult pneumonia). Loss of time can result in serious consequences, complications, death. That is why parents must definitely know how to recognize pneumonia in a child, have an idea of bright and muted signs, what you need to pay attention to.

Main symptoms:

Temperature. Too vague sign, as it often manifests itself with other health problems. Suspicion should arise if it is above 38°C for more than three days in a row. In some forms, the temperature rises to 40-41°C.
Cough. Usually it is deep, heavy, intensifies at night.
Swelling of the lower extremities, blue nasolabial triangle. They are the result of circulatory disorders.
Anxiety, nervousness, whims or unreasonable lethargy, drowsiness. Occurs with damage to the central nervous system. In this case, it will not be possible to cope with whims by cunning or other psychological approaches.
Breathlessness. Suspicion of pneumonia should arise if the child groans, breathes quickly, while tensing, facial muscles are involved. Rapid breathing in children under one year old is considered to be breathing with a frequency of more than 60 breaths per minute. Breathing with pneumonia over the age of 1.5 years about 50 times in 60 seconds.
Weight loss, lack of appetite. Regular refusal of food. Sometimes the weight drops rapidly.
Chills, increased sweating.

Rarely, only one of the symptoms appears with the disease. Careful observation can reveal up to 4-5 different signs but they are all individual. If there is the slightest suspicion, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Can a child have pneumonia without fever?

An increase in body temperature is not always, which complicates the diagnosis of the disease. In this case, it is often confused with the common cold. Subsequently, this turns into serious complications from the internal organs. Also, the absence of temperature indicates the weakness of the body, the inability to resist the disease.

Signs of pneumonia in a child without fever:

lingering cough;
shortness of breath;
blue, pallor of the face;
change in behavior;
refusal of food.

Sometimes with pneumonia, the temperature appears after a few days or even weeks. The reason for this reaction of the body in most cases is the irrational use of antibacterial drugs.

Inflammation of the lungs or bronchitis?

Symptoms of diseases of the respiratory system are similar. These are mainly cough, heavy breathing, loss of appetite and changes in behavior. Therefore, the question often arises, how to distinguish bronchitis from pneumonia.

In fact, doing this at home is extremely difficult, almost impossible. Also, during the examination, specialists will not be able to immediately make an accurate diagnosis, they will only make their assumptions and send them to a hospital or for examination.

What you need to pay attention to:

what temperature, how long does it last, fluctuations;
the nature of the cough (superficial, deep, dry, wet, time of intensification);
breathing (deep, shallow, whistling);
stool (color, consistency, regularity);
the presence and color of sputum, if any.

It is advisable to record all the data on paper so as not to confuse anything. Based on these records, it will be more convenient for the doctor to track the dynamics, make a preliminary diagnosis, which will subsequently save time and help start treatment faster.

How common is it in premature babies?

According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), premature babies have congenital pneumonia in 10% of cases. Moreover, this indicator does not depend on the degree of development of countries, the environmental situation. First of all, catastrophic figures are explained by the inconsistency internal systems organism. Babies born between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation are especially vulnerable.

The symptomatology of congenital pneumonia in premature newborns depends on the type of infection: intrauterine, prenatal or postpartum, as well as anatomical and physiological features. Intrauterine infection often causes developmental delay, pathologies, and disability.

Diagnostics

The most common method for diagnosing pneumonia is an x-ray. It shows the places of blackout, the nature of the foci and the affected areas, the severity of the disease, if any. But also x-ray examination is not perfect. Its use is limited to high radiation exposure on the child's body.

To determine pneumonia in a child, they also use:

biochemical blood tests that detect the level of glucose, liver enzymes;
general blood analysis;
microbiological examination of blood;
sputum bronchoscopy.

Diagnosis methods are selected individually, depending on the patient's age, symptoms, duration and severity of the condition. If the disease proceeds without fever with a cough, the child's condition does not improve, the body is weakened, additional tests may be prescribed to examine sputum.

Classification

It is difficult to recognize pneumonia, but it is even more difficult to determine its type. It is distinguished according to several criteria: the place of origin, localization, form, etiology and course. Depending on the identified form, drug treatment is prescribed.

By place of origin

Out-of-hospital

Exist community-acquired pneumonia, which is also called outpatient, home. That is, the disease did not appear within the walls of a medical institution.

Hospital

And distinguish between hospital-acquired pneumonia (hospital). It appears in children in a medical institution 2-3 days after hospitalization.

Aspiratory

This also includes the aspiration form, which is the result of foreign substances with pathogens entering the lungs. For example, vomit may enter during surgical operation or loss of consciousness.

According to the form of the disease

Focal pneumonia

In most cases, it is a complication of acute or chronic respiratory diseases, characterized by darkening of lung areas (foci). May occur in the postoperative period when the body is depleted. It starts with chills, fever up to 38-38.5°C. The cough is dry, sometimes purulent sputum appears after a few days. Possible chest pain.

Segmental pneumonia

According to the signs, it practically does not differ from the focal species, but it has a large scale. In this form, one lung or segment is affected.

Croupous pneumonia

Most often, this type of disease affects children of preschool and school age. In 2-3 years, it occurs extremely rarely. This species is characterized by: high temperature 39-40°C, cyclic course, chills, headaches, vomiting. The cough is short, causing pain in the chest.

Interstitial

One of the complex and severe forms of the disease. It is characterized by progressive inflammatory changes in the lungs. May have different reasons: viruses and fungi, poisoning with toxic substances, drug intolerance, radioactive effects.

According to the course of the disease

It is determined by the duration and brightness of the symptoms. There are only two forms here:

Acute pneumonia

Inflammatory process with vivid manifestations and symptoms, in most cases has infectious origin. The main pathogens are pneumococci, mycoplasma, streptococcus. Rarely has other causes. Duration up to 4-6 weeks.

lingering

A sluggish form that can develop with focal or segmental inflammation of the lungs. Duration more than 4-6 weeks.

By etiology

Types of pneumonia are also divided according to the etiology of origin. It is she who has the main influence on the choice drug treatment. You can guess the pathogen by how pneumonia begins in children. But the exact result will be known only after laboratory research blood.

SARS

This includes chlamydial pneumonia, mycoplasma, legionella. Symptoms depend on the pathogen.

Chlamydia disease is often disguised as otitis, laryngitis, bronchitis. It is characterized by a low temperature of 37-38°C, muscle pain, drowsiness and general weakness.
With mycoplasmal inflammation, the main symptoms are: sore throat, weakness, dry cough and headache.
Legionella is not transmitted from person to person. The first 10 days are considered incubation days. If immunity is weakened, then the period is reduced to 2 days. By this time, initially asymptomatic pneumonia acquires the first signs: headache, weakness. Then the temperature rises sharply to 40-41°C.

bacterial

Caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Alveolar sacs become inflamed, mucus, pus and fluid accumulate in them, which prevent the full exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen.

Pathogens:

klebsiella;
Staphylococcus aureus (destructive pneumonia);
Pneumococcus;
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Symptoms and severity of the disease directly depend on the pathogen.

Viral pneumonia

The disease is caused by: parainfluenza virus, cytomegalovirus, rotavirus, measles virus, chicken pox, influenza A, B. The first three days a viral lesion develops, then joins bacterial infection. The complexity of this form is that the first symptoms are disguised as a cold: chills, fever, cough and runny nose, headache. Wrong treatment and prolonged diagnosis often lead to deterioration of the condition, complications.

By location

right hand

This species is most common due to the proximity of the main bronchus. The infection quickly descends, the symptoms are pronounced, bright, there is severe shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, the patient does not have enough air. bronchial form pneumonia can have areas with different stages of the disease.

left-sided

This form is characterized by smoothed symptoms, moderate intoxication. Diagnosis and study of lesions in the lower and rear of the lung is complicated by the close location of the heart. Therefore, if this type is suspected, computed tomography is often used for examination.

double sided

A complex form of the disease, which often indicates a decrease in the body's immune defenses. It is often the result of mechanical ventilation. This form is characterized by severe shortness of breath, wheezing, intoxication. The disease requires immediate hospitalization, urgent treatment, since part of the healthy lung tissue is reduced.

Radical pneumonia

The focus of inflammation is in the basal region of the lung. In most cases, pneumonia in children of this form is caused by pneumococci. It can be right-sided and left-sided, the symptoms in this case are different. Common signs: cough with copious sputum, sweating, high fever, weakness.

Treatment in a hospital

Treatment of pneumonia in children in most cases is carried out in a hospital, as it requires integrated approach, mode, constant monitoring.

The main indications for hospitalization:

age up to 3 years;
respiratory failure;
violation of blood supply;
chronic pneumonia;
malformations, disability;
disease complications.

This also includes the unfavorable status of the family. If the district pediatrician (or another doctor who arrived on call) doubts the family's ability to cure the child, then it is wiser to go to the hospital. How many are in the hospital with pneumonia primarily depends on the type of disease, course, the presence or absence of complications.

Antibacterial therapy

Antibiotics for pneumonia in children are always prescribed and in the very first place. As soon as the patient is admitted to the hospital, and there are no test results yet, the doctor, in order not to waste time, may prescribe a broad-spectrum antibacterial drug (Sumamed, Ceftriaxone, Suprax).

Further, the antibiotic is selected individually, taking into account the obtained analyzes. In a hospital setting, injections are preferred. Selected modern and most effective drugs against a particular pathogen with minimal side effects. But it is important to understand that after therapy with new generation drugs, the body of children becomes less sensitive to antibacterial drugs of previous versions.

Attention! An allergic reaction to antibiotics is very common, especially in young patients. Therefore, therapy includes antihistamines.

Symptomatic therapy

Symptomatic therapy is designed to eliminate the manifestations of the disease, alleviate the condition and speed up recovery.

May include:

antipyretic drugs;
antihistamines;
expectorant, mucolytic drugs;
bronchodilators;
anesthetics.

Weakened children may need multivitamins, immunomodulators and other general strengthening agents.

Physiotherapy

Each doctor, in addition to antibiotic therapy, prescribes physiotherapy. They are aimed at accelerating recovery, maintaining the immune system, and reducing the risk of complications.

What procedures are prescribed:

Inhalations. In medical institutions, ultrasonic nebulizers are used. To eliminate shortness of breath and wheezing, Berodual, Pulmicort are prescribed. For expectoration of sputum, expectorants, mineral water are used.
Electrophoresis with antibiotics and drugs of other groups. It is prescribed to eliminate wheezing, get rid of sputum.
Impulsive UHF-therapy. It is prescribed to stimulate blood supply, reduce inflammation, reduce edema.
Chest massage. It is prescribed for bronchial drainage.
Therapeutic exercise, breathing exercises.

Physiotherapy has a number of contraindications: the presence malignant tumors, fever, poor blood clotting, neurotoxicosis. Therefore, the complex is always selected individually.

How long does pneumonia take to heal?

How much pneumonia is treated in children depends on the severity of the disease, the pathogen and the adequacy of therapy. The first improvements in the condition are usually noticeable on the 3rd day of taking antibiotics: the temperature drops, breathing smoothes out.

Full recovery with a mild form is possible after 3 weeks. AT severe forms the duration of therapy can be 48-60 days. Rehabilitation after pneumonia is from 2 to 3 months.

Treatment at home

Whether it is possible to treat pneumonia at home depends on the age of the patient and the course of the disease. The focal form in many cases does not require hospitalization, it can be dealt with on its own, but regular consultations and examinations by a doctor are required. If the disease occurs in a child 3 years of age or younger, then hospitalization is required.

Antibiotics, in the treatment of pneumonia, must be taken with prebiotics to maintain the balance of the intestinal microflora

At home, the treatment of children also consists of antibiotic therapy and symptomatic. At focal form often enough preparations of penicillin groups (for example, Flemoxin Solutab). Additionally, expectorants, antipyretics, antihistamines are introduced. How to treat a child in each individual case will be determined by the pediatrician.

Important! In the treatment of children with antibiotics, prebiotics are additionally introduced. They will help prevent dysbacteriosis, a violation of the intestinal microflora. Popular drugs: Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin, Linex, Acipol, Bifiliz.

Carefully! Do no harm!

The desire to help the child's body cope with the disease, the advice of others and unverified information often become the cause inappropriate behavior parents. Some actions can cause serious complications.

warming up. We are talking about common home methods: jars, mustard plasters, now special plasters have appeared. This also includes compresses, the need for which you need to consult with your doctor.
Independently prescribe or change the group of antibacterial drugs, use analogues.
Self-prescribe cough medicines. Harmless at first glance, Pertusin, some other syrup or pills can cause unpleasant consequences.

It is undesirable to lead an active lifestyle, visit public places, garden, playgrounds up to full recovery. The patient needs bed rest. For leisure activities, calm games are used. Increased activity can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, severe coughing.

The disease is transmitted, but in very rare forms. More likely to get infected respiratory infection, which turns into a complication. Pneumonia rarely passes from person to person, more often it is a secondary disease.

How is pneumonia transmitted?

by airborne droplets;
through personal hygiene items, toys, other things.

The incubation period in older children lasts several days. In a newborn baby, it can take several weeks.

Recovery

Rehabilitate a child after pneumonia in short terms will not work. Severe illness and antibiotics will leave their mark. It is very important in the coming months to prevent hypothermia, to avoid crowded places. Any infection can lead to a second outbreak or complication.

The main directions of rehabilitation:

training and maintaining the rhythm of breathing;
strengthening immunity with folk and medicinal products;
acceleration of resorption of exudate.

Cough after pneumonia can continue for several weeks even after complete recovery. But he must not call pain. Dry, barking cough with sputum difficult to separate should alert. In this case, you need to see a doctor.

Preventive measures

Pathways of pneumonia in children great amount. It is impossible to protect a person from contact with surrounding, foreign objects, soil, water. But everyone can take a number of measures that will help reduce the likelihood of the disease.

Prevention:

Reception of vitamins and fortifying agents aimed at increasing immunity.
Daily walks in the fresh air, airing the room.
Isolation of sick people, own space in the house, maintaining a microclimate.
Breathing exercises. Is in deep breaths and exhalation, inflating balloons. This type of prevention is suitable for children over three years old.
Massage. Suitable for any age. It consists in patting the chest area, rubbing.
Personal hygiene. Be sure to wash your hands with soap. After visiting public institutions, it is recommended to rinse or irrigate the nose with salt water, special means (Aquamaris, Aqualor).
Vaccination. It is indicated for children who are prone to frequent broncho-pulmonary diseases.

It is equally important to choose the right places for walking and playing. Children need to be protected from tobacco smoke, which adversely affects the lungs and the body as a whole. If the area is polluted, it is advisable to go out into nature as often as possible, walk in the fresh air.

Pneumonia is a dangerous disease with many consequences, ranging from chronic form finishing deaths. In children at 2 years of age, the symptoms of pneumonia are very similar to bronchitis. Therefore, it is important for parents to know what characteristic manifestations it stands out and how to treat it. Only an x-ray can accurately confirm the diagnosis. If you suspect your baby has pneumonia, go to the hospital for help.

How not to make a mistake with the diagnosis?

As soon as the baby has a cough, and even a high temperature, many parents immediately make their own diagnosis and, moreover, not always correct. Inflammation of the lungs is easy enough to confuse with bronchitis, but these are two different diseases. Of course, outwardly they are not distinguishable, but inside the organism itself, the differences are clearly visible.

First of all, pneumonia is an infectious disease. Unlike inflammation of the bronchi, the infection affects the small alveoli and eventually they become inflamed. child with weak immunity it is easier to give in to such a disease, and the symptoms are very dangerous. The fact is that the alveoli play an important role in the exchange of oxygen and in the presence of an inflammatory process, fluid accumulates in them. This is manifested by suffocation or other symptoms associated with a violation of the respiratory process.

What causes the problem?

Very often, pneumonia is the second disease that develops due to primary infection with SARS, influenza, or any other viral infection. The pathogen accumulates in the upper respiratory tract, pharynx, nasopharynx, but with poor immunity, aggressive pathogens can sink lower, affecting the bronchi, and then lung tissue. This happens in the case of not only a weak protective function, but also with incorrect or untimely treatment.

There are moments that during viral disease it is worth considering that the disease does not worsen and does not become chronic:

Forget about antitussives such as Stoptusin or Broncholitin. Coughing itself helps the body get rid of excess phlegm, mucus, viruses, and toxins. By suppressing this reflex, one can only worsen the child's condition. Phlegm will accumulate intensively in the lower parts of the lungs, which will lead to their inflammation.
When viral infection not recommended to take antibacterial drugs. These funds are completely powerless and useless in case of a disease of viral etiology and are prescribed only in case of severe complications or in case of bacterial damage to the lung tissues.
It is not recommended to use vasoconstrictor drops, because. they only contribute to the rapid penetration of microorganisms into the lower sections, especially in young children.
It is important to give your child plenty of water warm water which is helpful in removing toxins from the body. In a year or two, this is very difficult, but if this is not done, the mucous membrane will dry out, plus dry air and a long course of the disease are provided to you.
Throughout the course of therapy (and it is very long, at least 3 weeks), you should carry out wet cleaning, ventilate the room and, if possible, moisten it special devices(for example, you can use a humidifier). Cool fresh air thins the sputum better and contributes to its rapid discharge.

Pneumonia in children is a complex disease, fraught with many consequences and even death. The smaller the baby, the more difficult the therapy, but any inaction or too active action can lead to complications. Only the therapist will confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the correct and effective treatment.

Signs of an inflammatory process

It is difficult to identify the first signs of the disease, since the baby is too small to answer the simplest questions to parents or a doctor. The baby will not be able to independently admit that he has a headache or he feels other symptoms, such as pain in the chest.

The main signs of development this disease in 2 or 3 years are considered:

The kid is constantly tired, apathetic or, on the contrary, very capricious.
As soon as the baby catches a cold, the temperature will rise to 38 in a few days.
There is a dry strong cough.
During breathing, one part of the chest lags behind the other, this is noticeable even to the naked eye.
Breathing becomes shallow and rapid.

Refusal of food, weakness, frequent sweating, as well as sleeping on one side, can easily indicate inflammation in the lungs. At 2 years old, it is much easier to identify or notice the first symptoms than in infants, so parents should pay attention to any strange behavior of the baby.

It is also important to remember that only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, and the treatment, and then the recovery of your child, will depend on this.

Symptoms

The main symptoms are high fever and whitish skin.

The disease often begins as a common cold, parents can see this picture:

Runny nose and nasal congestion.
Frequent sneezing, especially in the first days of illness.
Weakness, drowsiness and lethargy.
Complete or partial refusal of food.
The skin is whitish.
High body temperature, which is knocked down only by a dose of antibiotics.

Exactly two last sign clearly indicate the presence of our problem, but with the rest the situation is a little different. Since the body and age of babies are different, therefore, the symptoms can manifest themselves in different ways.

It is important to understand that pneumonia in young children causes a lot of unpleasant and interfering signs to live fully, so at the beginning of treatment, babies may feel better. Even if the symptoms are completely gone, stop therapeutic treatment forbidden. It is necessary to bring the treatment process to the end, in this case listen to the advice of your pediatrician.

An important point is the exact establishment of the diagnosis, remember, only an x-ray can confirm it.

When should the baby be hospitalized?

An important point is the decision of the doctor about the therapeutic approach, or rather where exactly it will take place, so the following factors should be taken into account:

How severe is the condition and are there any complications. Respiratory dysfunction, blood poisoning, decreased blood pressure, purulent lung processes other serious violations talk about the need to hospitalize the baby.
Bilateral pneumonia. For example, focal inflammation can be treated at home, in most cases it gives positive results therapy. But the croupous form of the disease is dangerous and treatment should be carried out within the walls of a medical facility.
Social background. If the surrounding living conditions make it impossible to follow all the recommendations of the doctor, the baby should be taken to the hospital.
General indicators. The presence of chronic ailments or other problems, regardless of age, it would be advisable to go to the medical center.

In any case, the signs of pneumonia are very dangerous and threaten the baby with the loss of the most precious thing - life. Therefore, listen to the opinion of a specialist and go where medical staff will take care of you.

How to help little crumbs?

It is certainly difficult for a 2-year-old child to answer questions or complain about his condition, but according to the main signs, it is possible to suspect inflammation in the lungs. Therefore, it is important to immediately go to the pediatrician to clarify and prescribe the necessary therapeutic measures.

Undoubtedly, treatment should be carried out in a hospital, where the examination and control of the condition of small children will be carried out daily.

Diagnostics

X-ray of the lungs primarily helps to determine the diagnosis

It is extremely difficult to detect this disease on your own, and sometimes even an experienced doctor without preliminary analyzes, impossible. Even Komarovsky, a well-known pediatrician, speaks of the need for some research methods, without which it will not be possible to accurately establish the diagnosis.

In addition to examination and history taking, the following research methods should be carried out:

Take an x-ray of the lungs.
General analysis of blood and urine.
Biochemical analysis.
Auscultation or listening to the lungs.

If the baby is less than two years old, then the development of the disease will be much faster, in which case treatment should begin immediately and without delay.

Therapy for 2 year olds

Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for pneumonia, and it is extremely dangerous to refuse them, because such a decision can lead to the death of a child. Parents should listen to the recommendations of doctors, give a large number of fluids and feed the baby useful products, as well as:

Reception antibacterial agents. In this case, it is important to adhere to the time schedule for taking the drug. If the doctor prescribes it twice a day, then at least 12 hours must pass between doses of the medicine. Penicillins, cephalosporins are prescribed for one week, then macrolides for five days. Efficiency after taking antibiotics is noticeable already on the third day from the start of therapy.
Temperature remedies. Antipyretic drugs are used only when the thermometer shows a temperature above 38 degrees. An increase means that the baby's body is resisting, so if he is able to withstand it, do not rush to stuff the child with pills.
Dieting - important point, manifested complete failure from food. Force-feeding should not be, the child should eat light food and only if he wants to.
Using Regidron to improve water-salt balance. It can be safely added to juices, teas or simply mixed with water.
Taking vitamins and other complexes rich in microelements will help the overall resistance of the body against pathogens.

The use of an antibiotic usually does not exceed one week, and if all the recommendations received from the doctor are followed, recovery will come quickly. But for another month, the pediatrician will observe you, because. there may be residual effects. It looks like a simple cough or cough, as well as a slight weakness.

Complications of the inflammatory process

Complications of this disease occur only in case of neglect or with improperly selected treatment. If the inflammation has passed to the pleura, pleurisy and a croupous rash may develop. The most dangerous is pulmonary destruction, in which the child dies.

If the therapy is chosen incorrectly, the baby may suffer the cardiovascular system and it is in the two-year-old category of children that this happens most often. This process begins due to prolonged poisoning of the body with toxins.

Prevention

Vitamins and fresh air good prevention all diseases

It is easiest to prevent infection than to treat the baby later, taking antibiotics, high fever and intoxication are dangerous friends of small children. Therefore, performing the main preventive measures you can protect the baby:

At the birth of a baby ahead of schedule, he should be checked by a pulmonologist very often, as his lungs did not open well.
Small children should be protected (especially in the off-season) from possible infections viral or colds.
Drainage massage is a kind of prevention of sputum accumulation in the lungs. Performing light tapping daily will help protect respiratory system from inflammation.
Strengthen and protect immune system baby, supply her with vitamins and minerals. Walk more in the fresh air and feed the baby in a balanced way.
An important element is nervous calm, smaller stressful situations and neuroses.

Prevention is an important detail, but it is often the least time and effort devoted to it. Parents should not take such things lightly, you should listen to the recommendations of the pediatrician.

How long does the illness last?

When normal development pathological process (without complications), recovery will occur on the 10th day. In many cases, doctors prescribe antibiotics for at least two weeks. If after the specified period the baby does not feel better, it is worth changing the drugs to others, perhaps they are not suitable for this pathogen.

Self-medication should not take place in this case, since the life of a very small patient is at stake. Try to constantly monitor the health of the baby and at the slightest suspicion, immediately consult a doctor.