Pneumonia

Common childhood viral infections and the rarer infectious childhood diseases such as measles and whooping cough may be accompanied by pneumonia.

What happens in this situation is that the infecting organism enters the lungs and weakens their defences. The bronchial tubes become inflamed and produce a lot of mucus, the lung function begins to deteriorate so they can't expel the mucus. It then forms into little pools in the lungs, which become infected.

The initial signs of pneumonia are an increased breathing rate; difficulty with breathing and possibly a rather bluish colour around the mouth. When pooling of mucus occurs in a small air passage, the deeper part of the lung beyond this blockage becomes sealed off and the fluid may collect to the extent that it renders a little section of the lung completely solid; this is a small area of pneumonia. If a larger air passage becomes blocked off, the area of pneumonia can be quite extensive.

What to do

If you notice any of the above signs seek medical advice immediately. Meanwhile, stay calm and try the following measures to help your child: try to keep the air moist by boiling a kettle in the room, but never leave your child alone in a room in which a kettle is boiling. Stay with your child; make him feel comfortable and secure. Try to support your child in an upright position because this will make breathing easier.

Dr Miriam Stoppard

New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard

Posted 03.11.2010

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