What are the main symptoms of pneumonia in children?

The main symptoms of pneumonia in children include shortness of breath, fever, cough, loss of appetite and mental depression. In severe cases, cyanosis, wheezing or drowsiness may occur. See a doctor promptly for a clear diagnosis and treatment. Parents need to closely observe their children's performance and intervene as soon as possible to reduce risks.

1. Shortness of breath and cough

When children have pneumonia, they usually experience shortness of breath or even difficulty breathing due to lung infection. Cough is the most common symptom, which may initially be a dry cough, and as the disease progresses, thick sputum may appear. If a child's breathing rate is significantly accelerated (such as wheezing more than 50 times per minute in children under 1 year old) or breathing with abnormal effort, seek medical help immediately.

2. Fever and systemic symptoms

Most cases of pneumonia in children are accompanied by fever, which is usually high fever (over 38°C), but may also be low fever or even no obvious fever. Systemic symptoms also include mental depression, unwillingness to move, poor response to the environment, and in severe cases, drowsiness or irritability may occur. For children with persistent high fever, physical cooling can be used in conjunction with antipyretic drugs prescribed by doctors (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen), but drugs should not be abused.

3. Loss of appetite and vomiting

Pneumonia often affects the digestive system, causing children to lose their appetite, refuse milk or eat less, and even vomit and bloating. Parents need to ensure that their children drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration. If the child is completely unable to eat, they should go to the hospital in time for intravenous rehydration treatment.

4. Severe symptoms: cyanosis and wheezing

When the condition of a child with pneumonia worsens, he or she may develop bluish lips and nails due to lack of oxygen, accompanied by wheezing and flaring of the nose. This indicates that the lung infection may have seriously affected the oxygen exchange function, and the child needs to go to the hospital immediately for oxygen therapy, combined with intravenous antibiotics or nebulization therapy.

5. Irritation signal: hoarseness and chest pain

Some children may have hoarseness or chest pain due to pleural involvement in addition to coughing. Such signals indicate that the lesion may no longer be localized, and further examination is needed to determine whether there is pleurisy or extrapulmonary infection. Through imaging examinations (such as chest X-rays) and blood tests, doctors can identify the problem and develop more effective treatment plans.

Parents should remember that the symptoms of pneumonia in children vary and can be life-threatening in severe cases. If a child has persistent shortness of breath, changes in complexion, or abnormal mental state, they should seek medical attention and receive treatment immediately. Identifying symptoms as early as possible is the first step to protecting your child's health.