Pneumonia
Your child has been diagnosed with a pneumonia.
We know this can be a stressful time with lots of information from healthcare providers. It can be difficult to absorb everything.
We hope the following pages will be helpful in providing you with the education and resources you need to support your child from home.
What is a Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages.
It is caused by bacteria, viruses and, rarely, other microorganisms that enter the lungs and cause inflammation.
Click continue to learn more!
Other Resources: MyHealth Alberta - Pneumonia in Children
Symptoms of Pneumonia
The symptoms of pneumonia can include:
- runny nose
- nasal congestion
- cough
- fever
- decreased appetite/energy
- difficulty breathing
Hospital Care
If you have been seen by a medical professional, they may have treated your child with medications. Click below to learn more about these medications.
A. Antibiotics
Since pneumonia is commonly due to bacterial infection, your doctor may have prescribed an antibiotic. Antibiotics may be given by mouth or through an IV.
B. Oxygen
If your child is having difficulty breathing or low oxygen levels, your medical team may give them supplemental oxygen. Oxygen is usually delivered by face mask or nasal prongs. Generally, if a child requires oxygen, then they may need to be admitted to hospital for further care.
What to do at home
Click below for information on ways to help at home.
Track your child's symptoms
Keep track of your child's symptoms, such as fever and cough, and document details you feel are important. You may also want to keep track of any medications given and whether this helped.
Help your child stay hydrated
As with other illnesses, it is important to ensure your child remains well hydrated by offering fluids containing not only water but sugar and electrolytes (e.g., breastmilk or formula in infants, electrolyte drinks in older children) WebMD - Treating Dehydration in Children
Fever management
To help reduce fever, you can give your child acetaminophen
(Tylenol) and, if your child is older than 3 months,
ibuprofen (Advil), so long as your child does not have
allergies or other reasons not to take these medications.
Unless your doctor advises you otherwise, give the dose
recommended on the medication package.
Safe Acetaminophen Dosing for Infants and Children
Mount Sinai - Ibuprofen Dosing for Infants and
Children
Antibiotics
Bacterial pneumonias are treated with antibiotics. Please
follow the instruction provided by the physician and on the
prescription.
Stop the antibiotics if you think your child is having an
allergic reaction, with symptoms such as rash, wheezing and
shortness of breath, diarrhea or vomiting. Otherwise,
complete the full course of antibiotics and do not stop them
just because your child is feeling better.
When to seek medical attention
Here are some signs that, if present, should lead you to seek immediate medical attention for your child:
- fever in a child under 3 months of age
- fever lasting more than 48-72 hours since your child was last seen for fever
- coughing up blood
- excessively sleepy, lethargic, or not responsive child
- fast or laboured breathing
- cyanosis (blue lips or fingers)
- poor intake leading to dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears, dark urine, no urine for more than 8-12 hours) or inability to keep down medications
Follow Up
Please follow up with your primary care provider unless instructed otherwise. Of course, if you feel your child needs immediate medical attention, please do not hesitate to call 911 or bring them to your closest emergency department.
We hope this has been useful. Thank you for using Paediatrics@home!