How to determine if a newborn has pneumonia
Oct 09, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Neonatal pneumonia can be diagnosed through clinical symptoms, such as whether there was meconium-stained amniotic fluid at birth, or the presence of symptoms like tachypnea and respiratory distress. Additionally, routine blood tests and blood biochemistry are needed to help identify infection and assess disease severity. Imaging studies are also required to clearly visualize any lung abnormalities.
Neonatal pneumonia can be diagnosed through clinical symptoms, routine blood tests and biochemical examinations, imaging studies, and other methods.
1. Clinical Symptoms
If meconium-stained amniotic fluid is clearly observed at birth, or if symptoms such as tachypnea, respiratory distress, or fever are present, neonatal pneumonia may be initially suspected.
2. Routine Blood Tests and Biochemical Examinations
Routine blood tests and biochemical analyses are generally required to help identify infection and assess disease severity in neonatal pneumonia. Elevated levels of white blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin usually suggest a higher likelihood of bacterial infection.
3. Imaging Studies
Imaging studies can confirm whether there are pulmonary abnormalities. For example, in aspiration pneumonia, imaging may show increased lung translucency, possibly accompanied by atelectasis. In infectious pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia may appear as diffuse hazy shadows in both lungs, while viral pneumonia may present with hyperinflation and interstitial changes bilaterally.
