Causes of pneumonia in newborns
Childhood pneumonia can be bacterial, viral, and fungal in nature. Most often, this disease occurs if the child's body is weakened by any viral infection.
Pneumonia in a newborn can develop due to birth trauma Photo: Getty The following factors increase the risk of pneumonia in an infant:
- hypovitaminosis, beriberi;
- intrauterine lack of oxygen;
- asphyxia;
- birth trauma, in particular trauma of the brain and respiratory tract;
- congenital heart or lung defect;
- problems with immunity, including hereditary;
- underdevelopment of the respiratory muscles.
Diagnosing pneumonia in a baby is not that difficult.The doctor examines the child, questions the parents, prescribes urine, blood, and sputum culture tests. Instrumental examinations include: X-ray, computed tomography, and echocardiography. If necessary, the infant is examined by a pediatric pulmonologist.
Consequences of pneumonia in newborns
If the treatment of the disease was started on time and carried outits competent specialist, there is no need to be afraid of serious consequences. In the rarest cases, pulmonary edema or pulmonary failure may develop. Pleurisy, which makes it difficult for the child to breathe, develops just as rarely. In the case of a severe form of pneumonia, the baby may experience destruction of lung tissue. In this case, the tissues are destroyed and cavities are formed in the lungs. Pneumonia in infants develops rapidly, quickly “capturing” healthy areas of the lungs. But if the child does not receive adequate treatment, pneumonia reminds of itself for a long time. After its acute form has passed, the baby is haunted by residual effects - severe lethargy, lack of appetite, problems with growth and weight gain. Sometimes an acute form of pneumonia that has not been treated turns into a chronic one and periodically worsens. This greatly weakens the little body. If you notice that your baby is unwell, his temperature has risen, and a cough has begun, go to the pediatrician. This is not the case when you should try folk recipes and self-medicate. The risk of unpleasant consequences from such treatment without the help of a specialist is too high.See also:
