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How does a baby get pneumonia?
La baby’s pneumonia, or lung disease is a viral, bacterial or even, but very rarely, parasitic lung infection. In France, children are especially affected by bacterial pneumonia, caused mainly by the pneumococcus. They often start after a simple cold. The viral pneumonia are mainly due to syncytial virus or influenza virus. Note that these viral forms of pneumonia are particularly contagious. Sneezing, coughing: Viruses are spread through drops of saliva and phlegm.
As for the parasite sometimes encountered, it is mainly the microscopic fungus Pneumocystis jirovec. Whatever the pathogen, it causes problems in the pulmonary alveoli. These become abnormally full of liquid and can no longer adequately ensure the gas exchange of respiration. Logical consequence: baby has trouble breathing!
Other symptoms of pneumonia in babies are a more or less intense feverheadache stomach aches et a dry cough. The viral forms can cause various additional symptoms, depending on the virus involved. Baby can so have diarrhea to small buttonsEg.
It should be noted
La influenza virus pneumonia (influenza virus) is one of the most dangerous. Indeed, it can cause a bacterial superinfection in the respiratory system, sometimes fatal. The complications of pneumonia mainly concern babies who are already fragile, suffering from a heart problem, for example.
How is childhood pneumonia diagnosed?
Le diagnosis of pneumonia in young children begins with a clinical examination. The doctor takes all the symptoms into account and listens with special attention to baby’s breathing. The bacterial forms are characterized by what are called “ crackling groans », A very particular sound produced when breathing.
It is also common to have a baby have a chest x-ray. In case of viral or parasitic infection, both lungs of the child show opacities on the radio against a single opaque lobe for bacterial forms. A blood test then gives details of the nature of the virus, bacteria or parasite involved.
How to treat baby pneumonia?
Treatment of baby pneumonia depends on its cause. Antibiotics are generally reserved for bacterial or parasitic forms. Antivirals specific to the responsible virus can be used for the viral forms. In any case, it is also important to fight baby fever using paracetamol for example. A little respiratory physiotherapy can also help the child to breathe better during his illness. The pneumonia Normally goes away in 10-12 days on average. A check-up chest x-ray is normally done to make sure the baby is well. Note that babies at risk (immunocompromised or who have a heart problem) and infants under 3 months are often hospitalized for the duration of treatment. The medical team can thus keep an eye on their progress and act urgently if necessary.
Although treatments are nowadays very effective, it is still advisable to protect the baby as much as possible against this disease. Pneumococcal vaccine is needed. Simple hygiene rules, such as washing your hands or sneezing into the crook of your arm, can also reduce the risk of contagion.
What is varicella pneumonia?
There is a form of chickenpox related lung disease that may only affect adults: varicella pneumonia.
This disease particularly affects pregnant women with symptoms such as fever, joint and muscle pain, malaise, headache … Infection of the fetus is through the placenta before the vesicles appear in the mother and may trigger spontaneous abortion (especially during the first trimester), malformations (limbs, eyes, etc.) or even brain damage. At the end of pregnancy, there is a risk of congenital chickenpox in the fetus with organ damage, possibility of neurological sequelae or even death.
What is interstitial lung disease?
About a hundred children suffer from interstitial lung disease in France. Symptoms: respiratory distress, digestive and hormonal disorders, joint pain and motor problems.
The origin of interstitial lung disease is often genetic and sometimes environmental. It is difficult to diagnose. Indeed, it can affect only the lungs or concern several organs at the same time.
In interstitial lung disease, it is the thin liquid layer covering the alveoli that is affected. Normally, the latter acts as a shield, protecting the lungs against bacteria and viruses. In lung disease, the proteins that make up the thin layer are deficient. Result: the lungs are weakened and attacked.
Also, the very thin tissue that surrounds and supports the alveoli, the interstitium, thickens.
Consequence: oxygen has difficulty passing from the alveoli to the blood. Hence the respiratory problems of children with pneumonia.
There is no treatment to treat the lungs, but oxygen and anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids can provide relief in young patients.
You have to be careful with classic infections. Bronchitis or colds risk damaging their already weakened lungs.
Interstitial lung disease is more or less serious depending on the patient, because the protein that is deficient in the thin membrane can also be in other organs.