Early symptoms and signs of pneumonia in children

Early symptoms of pneumonia in children usually include repeated coughing, shortness of breath, fever, etc. Once these symptoms are found, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid delaying treatment. Observing whether the child has more obvious signs such as nasal flaring, cyanosis or loss of appetite can more accurately identify the condition.

1. Abnormal respiratory system

The most common early symptoms of pneumonia in children are changes in the respiratory system, including frequent coughing, nasal congestion, etc. If the condition is slightly more serious, the child may breathe faster, even have nasal flaring, labored breathing, and wheezing. Some parents may notice that their child's lips or nail beds appear blue, which is an important sign of hypoxia. Especially when the child is pale or has purple lips, you should be extra vigilant and seek medical help as soon as possible.

2. Continuous fever

Fever is one of the typical early symptoms of pneumonia. Children may show persistent low fever or intermittent high fever, accompanied by flushed cheeks, increased sweating, etc. Sometimes, parents may give their children antipyretics to relieve fever, but if the fever recurs or does not subside, it may be a sign of pneumonia and should be checked in the hospital immediately.

3. Mental depression and loss of appetite

Pneumonia in children is not only manifested as physical discomfort, but may also be accompanied by decreased appetite and mental fatigue. Children may be easily tired, have less activity, or even become irritable. These atypical symptoms are easily ignored by parents, but combined with other symptoms, they can often help identify pneumonia as early as possible.

4. Gastrointestinal reactions and general discomfort

Some children with pneumonia may show gastrointestinal symptoms in the early stage, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc. Young children, in particular, cannot express their symptoms accurately and may only cry or have difficulty sleeping. Combined with fever, abnormal breathing and other symptoms, we should be alert that these non-respiratory symptoms may also be signs of pneumonia.

Parents should pay special attention to their children's breathing and mental changes. If the above symptoms are found, they should take their children to the doctor for examination and diagnosis as soon as possible. If pneumonia is treated early, recovery is faster. Targeted antibiotics are usually required, and the type of pathogen must be identified before treatment. You can also prevent the occurrence of the disease by keeping the home clean, ventilating regularly, and reducing contact with infection sources when going out.