Pneumonia in children: how to protect them

Pneumonia in children is a serious inflammation of the lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, as in adults (read everything about pneumonia). Breathing difficulties occur because the inflammation affects the small bronchioles and the air sacs in the lungs.

The importance of vaccinations

It is important to know how to prevent pneumonia in children. One of the best forms of prevention is vaccination. It is advisable to have all the recommended vaccinations, including those for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza.

The rules to follow for pneumonia in children

To avoid infection and end up having to deal with a case of pneumonia in children, it is important to adopt rules that lower the risks.

• Wash hands. Teach the child the importance of regular handwashing, especially after being in crowded places or after coughing or sneezing.
• Keep the environment clean. At home, exposure to cigarette smoke and irritating chemicals should be avoided.
• Breastfeed. Where possible, it is preferable to give the child breast milk. It contains antibodies and nutrients that help protect against respiratory infections.
• Avoid contact with infected people. Do not take the child to places where they might come into contact with sick people. In particular, this sensible behavior should be followed during the period when flu and colds are widespread.
• Dress appropriately. Make sure the child is dressed suitably. Especially during the colder seasons, it is important to avoid overheating the child or exposing them to the cold.

What to do if you suspect pneumonia in children

If you suspect that your child has pneumonia, consult a doctor immediately and constantly monitor their health. Symptoms may include fever, a persistent cough, difficulty breathing and fatigue. If pneumonia is diagnosed, follow the treatment plan prescribed by the doctor, which may include antibiotics if the infection is bacterial. Diagnostic tests may be requested. In addition, make sure the child gets enough rest to promote recovery. It is also important that the child drinks enough fluids to avoid dehydration.

The cases in China

The WHO, the World Health Organization, has asked China for a very detailed report on cases of pneumonia in children. The exponential increase in respiratory diseases and pneumonia outbreaks among the youngest is becoming a worrying phenomenon in the Asian country. According to the WHO, the cause of the increase in cases of pneumonia in children could depend on the easing of anti-Covid measures throughout China. This would have led to a spread of influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (a bacterium), respiratory syncytial virus and the Covid-19 virus still in circulation.

The worrying figure

The fear is that in China this is not just a peak of pneumonia in children. An epidemic is feared, and for this reason the Asian authorities have strengthened surveillance in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The largest number of cases occurred in the northern part of China, but the information provided to the WHO is incomplete. In fact, the Chinese government had previously reported an increase in cases of respiratory infections, but then did not specify whether the growth in cases of pneumonia is related.