Influenza, the common cold have symptoms similar to the onset of pneumonia. If the body does not cope with the disease, then bacteria caused by the appearance of, for example, SARS, can penetrate the respiratory system.
Pneumonia. What is this disease?
This is an acute infectious disease affecting the patient's lungs. The
The inflammatory process is caused by various bacteria: staphilo-, pneumo-, streptococci, Klebsiella, mycoplasma, fungi and some
types of viruses. When pathogenic microflora enter the lungs, edema of the bronchial mucosa begins first. As a result, air flow into the alveoli is difficult. The latter begin to subside, inflammation develops in the tissues of the lung.
Signs of pneumonia in a child
Elevated body temperature, which does not subside for several days, and also remains within 37 ° for a long time, becomes an alarming "bell", indicating that, possibly, the baby begins pneumonia. The first signs of pneumonia can also be associated with the appearance of a strong cough, which can be either dry or wet. Detachable sputum may be purulent or with blood streaks. IN
In this case, it is necessary to call a doctor as soon as possible. Signs of
pneumonia in a child can be expressed in pain located in the sternum. However, they can occur both with coughing and without it, sometimes determined under the shoulder blades. Another manifestation of the disease is
lack of air and
fatigue.
Signs of viral and bacterial pneumonia
In the event that the baby’s disease was due to a virus, then symptoms usually appear after about a day or two. In the event that the ailment is of a bacterial nature, the disease progresses rapidly and is accompanied by high fever. If the parents noticed the described signs of pneumonia in the child, it is urgent to call a doctor who will listen to the patient and conduct other diagnostic measures.
Methods for detecting pneumonia
After the signs of pneumonia in the child appear, the pediatrician sends the child an x-ray. This method allows you to say with maximum accuracy whether the child’s lungs are clean or not. Due to the fact that healthy lungs are filled with air, they look dark in the image. If there are inflamed areas, then in the picture they will look like white spots. In addition, with the help of an X-ray, the specialist determines what nature the disease has. If the disease is provoked by bacteria, then the picture has small bright areas. The viral nature can be detected by seeing a filamentous light inclusion. In the event that bronchopneumonia develops, then it appears in the image as patches covering both lungs.
When can I get this disease?
The more often the child is sick, the more likely that the symptoms that appear are signs of pneumonia in the child. At risk are children, starting from six months and ending with four years. The fact is that until this age the lungs are not yet fully formed. If the disease recurs, it makes sense to consult a pulmonologist.