Pneumonia in children


Pneumonia in children is the infection of the lung in which the air sacs in the lungs are filled with pus and fluid. The child has difficulty in breathing and the oxygen intake reduces. Pneumonia can be due to viruses, bacteria, fungi and chemical irritants. Viral infections like RSV and influenza are the most common causes of pneumonia.

Apart from breathing difficulties the child also suffers with fever, cough, vomiting and sometimes chest or stomach pain. Pneumonia should be treated immediately otherwise it can become very critical for the child and is one of the most leading infectious causes of death for children under 5 globally.

For expert pediatric care and pneumonia treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the causes of Pneumonia in children?


Pneumonia is an infection borne condition wherein the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs are filled with fluid or pus. The fluid and pus are due to the infection which could be viral, bacterial or fungi borne. Apart from infections there are other causes such as a child with risk factors, and environment.

Pneumonia in children due to infections


  1. Viruses (most common in infants)
    • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) mostly seen in infants
    • Influenza virus
    • Parainfluenza virus
    • Adenovirus
    • Coronavirus (including COVID-19)
    • Human metapneumovirus
  2. Bacteria (common in older children)
    • Streptococcus pneumoniae
    • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
    • Staphylococcus aureus
    • Mycoplasma pneumoniae
  3. Fungi (rare cause in children)
    • Chances are high in immunocompromised children such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer.

4. Risk Factors that can cause Pneumonia in children


The following risk factors enhance the susceptibility of pneumonia in children:-
  • Children under the age of 5
  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Malnutrition
  • Lack of breastfeeding
  • No proper vaccination (either missing or irregular)
  • Weak immune system due to existing medical conditions such as HIV, cancer, etc.

5. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

  • Exposure to too much air pollution
  • Living in crowded spaces where infections can easily spread.
  • Constant exposure to second hand smoking
  • Poor hygiene, unclean drinking water and lack of sanitation

For expert pediatric care and pneumonia treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the symptoms of pneumonia in children?


The symptoms of pneumonia in children are different for various age groups. The cause as well as the severity of the illness also affects the causes. But the common signs expressed by all pneumonia affected children are as follows:-
  1. Cough
    • Dry or mucus filled wet cough.
    • Increases over time
  2. Fever
    • Mild fevers in case of viral infection and high fevers for bacterial pneumonia
    • The fever may be accompanied with chills or sweating
  3. Breathing issues
    • Fast breathing is a typical sign
    • The child is struggling to breathe and makes a visible effort to breathe
    • Wheezing while breathing
    • The nostrils flare up while breathing
    • The skin pulls in between or below the ribs when breathing known as chest indrawing.
  4. Chest Pain
    • Especially when coughing or breathing deeply
  5. Poor Feeding or Loss of Appetite
    • The child refuses to eat due to loss of appetite.
    • Breastfeeding babies have difficulty in taking the feed due to difficulty in breathing and chest pain.
  6. Fatigue
    • The child is less active, and sleepy
  7. Bluish lips or fingertips
    • This is a medical emergency because bluish lips and fingertips indicate low oxygen levels.
  8. Vomiting or Abdominal Pain
    • Excessive coughing and abdominal pain causes vomiting.

For expert pediatric care and pneumonia treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

When to get immediate medical care for pneumonia in children?


Please get immediate medical care for your child in case you notice the following symptoms:-
  • Rapid and struggling to breathe
  • Color change in lips and nails (blue colour)
  • The child is unresponsive and not waking up.
  • No food/liquid intake or refusal to breastfeed.
  • Uncontrolled fever

For expert pediatric care and pneumonia treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

How is pneumonia in children diagnosed?


Pneumonia in children is diagnosed starting with clinical evaluation, physical examination, medical history and tests if necessary. The main aim is to determine if pneumonia is present and if so the cause for it.

1. Clinical History


The doctor collect data about:
  • Cough, fever, breathing difficulties, chest pain
  • The duration and the severity of illness.
  • Breastfeeding pattern of the infant.
  • Vaccine status as relevant to the age of the child.
  • The exposure of the child to unsanitary conditions, unsafe food and water.
  • Exposure to second hand smoke.
  • History of asthma, HIV, or other immunosuppresent diseases.
  • Malnutrition.

2. Physical Examination


The doctor will check:-
  • Breathing patterns
  • If the skin under the skin is sucking in while breathing.
  • Are the nostrils flaring while breathing?
  • Is there any grunting, or wheezing sound while inhaling or exhaling?
  • Abnormal sounds while breathing are checked with a stethoscope
  • Oxygen levels, are measured with a pulse oximeter

3. Diagnostic Tests (need basis)


Tests are not done for mild cases, but may be used to confirm the diagnosis or assess severity. When needed the following tests are done:-
  • Chest X-ray can help confirm pneumonia and to assess the extent of lung involvement.
  • Pulse Oximetry measures the blood oxygen levels since low levels mean severe pneumonia
  • Blood Tests (CBC) can count the white blood cells. A higher value indicates a bacterial infection.
  • Nasal or throat swabs can detect viral infections like RSV, influenza, or COVID-19
  • Sputum or gastric aspirates is done in hospitalized cases.

How is pneumonia treated in children?


Treatment of pneumonia in children depends on
  • Severity
  • Age
  • Likely cause (bacterial vs viral).

Below is the clear treatment methodology:

Treatment Principles

  • Start early treatment especially if the child is an infant or very young.
  • Supportive care is essential along with medication.
  • For severe or complicated cases hospitalization is needed.

Antibiotic Treatment

  • Antibiotic medication is prescribed in case of non-severe bacterial pneumonia. The treatment is done on an outpatient basis.
  • Inpatient treatment for severe or very severe cases which includes IV therapy

Supportive Care

  • Fluids / oral rehydration.
  • Antipyretics like paracetamol) to control fever.
  • Nutritional support.
  • Gentle suction in infants if needed for airway clearance.
  • Monitoring the breathing, and feeding

Prevention of pneumonia in children


The following measures help prevent pneumonia in children.
  • Be up to date with vaccines such as
    • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
    • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine
    • Influenza vaccine
    • Measles vaccine to reduce post-measles pneumonia
  • The first six months exclusive breastfeeding
  • Appropriate nutrition.
  • Maintain good sanitary and hygienic conditions around children.
  • Take special care to ensure the child is drinking clean water.
  • Keep the child away from smoke exposure (kitchen or cigarette).

For expert pediatric care and pneumonia treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

About Isha Specialty Clinics, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at convenient locations in Hyderabad Manikonda in the nearby Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-
  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

For expert pediatric care and pneumonia treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care.

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