Pneumonia

⚠️ We are seeing a remarkable increase in children with pneumonia on the Sunshine Coast! I have seen more children presenting to Emergency Departments with this serious illness over the last few months than ever before in my career!

😮‍💨 Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs and commonly referred to as a chest infection. It can be caused by a virus or a bacteria.

🦠 Respiratory viruses are very common in children often causing a runny nose, fever and inflammation with secretions in the airways. Most of the time a respiratory virus causes upper respiratory symptoms, often referred to as a ‘cold’ or ‘flu’ but does not cause pneumonia.

A respiratory virus will require supportive care with paracetamol and/or ibuprofen and ensuring your child is drinking enough to stay hydrated and maintaining their energy levels with food or sugary fluids to prevent low blood sugar. A virus will get better over time without antibiotics or other specific medical treatments.

Pneumonia often occurs following a respiratory virus and is important to recognise as it requires diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics.

Signs of Pneumonia:

😷 Illness lasting longer than expected with new or worsening symptoms

🤒 High fevers

😮‍💨 Cough

🫁 Rapid or laboured breathing

😪 Becoming irritable or lethargic

😫 Chest or abdominal pain

Management of Pneumonia:

🩺 It is important to see a doctor to diagnose pneumonia and start antibiotics

🩻 An x-ray is not required to diagnose pneumonia with a good clinical assessment (history 🧑‍👩‍🧒 and examination 🩺)

😴 Plenty of rest

🍼Plenty of fluids

💊 Antibiotics (if prescribed) and analgesia

Sometimes pneumonia is caused by atypical bacteria and will not respond to the first antibiotic prescribed. More rarely, complications can occur so it is important to have a good follow up plan.