Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition affecting the lung parenchyma, which may spread throughout both lungs or be localized to a single lung lobe.
According to the World Health Organization, pneumonia is the leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age, accounting for 19% of all causes of death. Among children with pneumonia, 7 - 13% develop severe, life-threatening signs requiring hospitalization. The main risk factors for pneumonia include not being exclusively breastfed, malnutrition, air pollution, low birth weight, and incomplete measles vaccination.
In Vietnam, approximately 4,000 children under 5 years of age still die from pneumonia each year.
1. Causes of Pneumonia in Children
Pneumonia in children can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms. The most common causes include pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae), Haemophilus influenzae (HI), and RSV. Among these, pneumococcus is the leading bacterial cause of community-acquired pneumonia in children under 5 years of age.
2. Symptoms
Symptoms:
- The child has a cough and fever accompanied by one of the following signs:
- Rapid breathing:
< 2 months of age: ≥ 60 breaths/minute
2 - < 12 months of age: ≥ 50 breaths/minute
1 - 5 years of age: ≥ 40 breaths/minute
> 5 years of age: ≥ 30 breaths/minute
- Chest indrawing (the lower part of the chest wall draws inward during inspiration)
A child has severe pneumonia when pneumonia is accompanied by at least one of the following signs:
- General danger signs:
+ Unable to breastfeed or drink.
+ Altered consciousness: lethargy, drowsiness, or coma.
+ Convulsions.
- Signs of severe respiratory distress (grunting, very severe chest indrawing).
- Cyanosis
- Child under 2 months of age.
3. Complications
The most common complication of pneumonia is bloodstream infection, which can lead to septic shock. Bacteria may spread and cause meningitis, peritonitis, or endocarditis.
4. Home Care
Give the child medication as prescribed by the doctor, ensure adequate fluid intake, and provide small, frequent meals if the child vomits. Clean the child's nose and throat regularly to reduce mucus and help the child breathe more easily. Monitor the child for signs that require immediate medical attention (severe chest indrawing and general danger signs).
5. Prevention of Pneumonia in Children
To reduce the incidence of pneumonia in children, it is important to ensure proper prenatal care, adequate nutrition, vaccination, and improved living conditions and environmental quality.
1. Prenatal Care
Ensure the mother's good health, receive the Rubella vaccine before pregnancy, maintain adequate nutrition, and attend regular antenatal check-ups to minimize the risk of low birth weight, premature birth, or congenital abnormalities that are detected late.
2. Appropriate Nutrition
Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies (iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, etc.) increase the risk of developing pneumonia and its severity. Breastfeeding reduces the incidence of pneumonia in young children.
Exclusively breastfeed infants for the first 6 months and continue breastfeeding until at least 12 months of age.
Provide adequate complementary nutrition in addition to breast milk, with a balanced diet appropriate for the child's age.
3. Complete Vaccination According to the Immunization Schedule
Full vaccination against measles, Hib, pertussis, influenza, and pneumococcus is an effective proactive measure to prevent pneumonia.
Hoàn Hảo (Kei Mei Kai Japan) has a vaccination clinic, making it convenient for parents to bring their children for vaccination according to the recommended schedule and receive consultation on appropriate vaccines. Vaccination consultation hotline: 0828 84 59 59.
