PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN- ENGLISH
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PNEUMONIA IN
CHILDREN-
Pneumonia is an
inflammation of lung tissue in one or both lungs. The infection causes inflammation in air way
and the air sacs (alveoli) in lungs .
The airway and alveoli fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe
CAUSES OF PNEUMONIA -
Ø There are several types of infectious agents
that can cause pneumonia.
Ø Bacterial Pneumonia- The most common cause
of bacterial pneumoniais Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Ø Other causes include:
Ø Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Ø Haemophilus influenzae
Ø Legionella pneumophila
Ø
Ø Viral Pneumonia- Respiratory viruses are often the cause of pneumonia. Some examples
include:
Ø influenza (flu)
Ø respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Ø rhinoviruses(common cold)
Ø Viral pneumonia is usually milder and can improve in one to three weeks
without treatment.
Ø
Ø Fungal Pneumonia- Fungi from soil or bird droppings can cause pneumonia. They most often
cause pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems. Examples of fungi
that can cause pneumonia include:
Ø Pneumocystis jirovecii
Ø Cryptococcus species
Ø Histoplasmosisspecies
Ø
Ø Others- Other causes of pneumonia
includes-
Ø Aspiration of
Ø fluids
Ø foods
Ø vomitus
Ø chemicals
Ø
Ø
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF PNEUMONIA
-
Ø Pneumonia symptoms can be
mild to life-threatening. They can include:
Ø Coughing that
may produce mucus (productive cough)
Ø Sweating
or chills.
Ø Shortness
of breath that happens while doing normal activities or even while
resting.
Ø
Chest
pain that’s worse when you breathe or
cough.
Ø
Feelings
of tiredness or fatigue.
Ø
Loss
of appetite.
Ø
Nausea
or vomiting.
Ø
Headaches.
Ø
Increased
Respiratory rate.
Ø
Increased
heart rate.
Ø
Abnormal
respiratory sounds.
Ø
MalnutrItion.
Ø
Fever.
Ø
DIGNOSTIC
INVESTIGATIONS-
q
Physical
examination-auscultaion of chest.
q
Complete
blood count.
q
Nasal
swab culture.
q
Pulmonary
function test.
q
ABG
Analysis.
q
Chest
X-ray.
TREATMENT-
Ø Treatment will depend on the
type of pneumonia, how severe it is, and our general health.
Ø Medical
Management
Ø Your
doctor may prescribe a medication to help treat your pneumonia. What you’re
prescribed will depend on the specific cause of your pneumonia.
Ø Antibiotics
can treat most cases of bacterial pneumonia.
Ø
For
viral pneumonia- In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral.
However, many cases of viral pneumonia clear on their own with only supportive
and symptomatic care. Antipyretics and antitussive bronchodilators may help in
this case.
Ø
Antifungal
medications are used to fight fungal pneumonia. You may have to take this
medication for several weeks to clear the infection.
Ø
Doctor may also recommend cough medicine to
calm your cough so you can rest. Keep in mind coughing helps remove fluid from
your lungs, so you don’t want to eliminate it entirely.
Ø
You
can help your recovery and prevent a recurrence by getting a lot of rest and
drinking plenty of fluids.
Ø
NURSING MANAGEMENT-
Ø - Observation of
respiratory status is very important nursing care in asthma.
Ø -Breathing
pattern should be noted for retractions,
nasal flaring use of accessory muscles etc.
Ø -
Steam inhalation may be ordered , it should be provided with care to clear
lungs.
Ø All
the medications and Nebulization should
be given as per schedule. some times postural drainage may be prescribed, so
act accordingly.
Ø -
The baby is observed for cyanosis if it occur head end of the bed should be
raised and inform to pediatrician.
Ø -
Oxygen inhalation may be prescribed and should be administered as per
recommendation.
Ø -
Provide psychological support to parents to reduce their anxiety.
Ø -
Signs and symptoms of dehydration should be noted and iv fluids may be given to
correct it.
Ø -
Management of fever is done in case of pyrexia which is often seen in
pneumonia.
Ø Regular
diet and more fluids should be given so that nutritional status and water
balance is maintained.
Ø Breathing exercises and habits should be
explained and encouraged to follow instructions.
Ø Other
Nursing interventions – includes all nursing care of
hospitalized child that we have discussed in previous lecture under heading
Nursing care of hospitalized child in the lecture “Child Health Nursing”.
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