How to Care for Your Child with Bacterial Pneumonia

Not all children have the same symptoms, but the common symptoms of pneumonia are:

• Cough
• Fever
• Breathing faster than normal
• Trouble breathing or pain when breathing in
• Restlessness or trouble feeding (in babies)

The doctor will ask few questions about your child’s health and then examine your child. Your child’s doctor will decide if further investigation (like x-ray) and/or blood tests are needed.

Pneumonia that is caused by bacteria respond well to antibiotics. Most children will start feeling better after a couple of days of starting antibiotics. Pneumonia that caused by viruses don’t respond to antibiotics

• If your doctor advises to give medicine for pain or fever, you can give you child Paracetamol (any brand) or   Ibuprofen (any brand)
• Follow the instruction on the medicine package for the correct dose for your child
• Do not give Aspirin to your child as this can cause serious complications

• Ensure your child takes the antibiotics regularly as prescribed
• Ensure your child get appropriate rest
• Ensure your child drink plenty of fluid
• Avoid smoking in the house and around a child. This might trigger coughing and make your child more susceptible to lung infections.
• Ensure that your child is up-to-date with vaccination as some vaccines can help prevent certain kind of pneumonia.

Seek medical advice, if your child:

• Is not taking the antibiotics
• Is not eating or drinking
• Is not getting better after a couple of days of regular antibiotics
• Has signs of dehydration like
  • Dry sticky mouth
  • Peeing less
  • No tears when crying
• If you have any concerns about your child not getting better

• Is pulling his neck or chest muscles when breathing
• Is struggling to breathe or turns blue