Why is Methylprednisolone administered for childhood pneumonia?

Methylprednisolone is commonly available in forms such as tablets and injections and belongs to the class of systemic corticosteroid medications. The reasons for administering methylprednisolone to children with pneumonia may include controlling septic shock, alleviating acute respiratory distress syndrome, reducing pulmonary inflammatory responses, relieving respiratory symptoms, and assisting in the treatment of tuberculosis.

1. Control of septic shock: Methylprednisolone can suppress the excessive response of the immune system and reduce inflammation-induced damage to the body, thus helping to control septic shock.

2. Alleviation of acute respiratory distress syndrome: Methylprednisolone has nonspecific anti-inflammatory effects. It can inhibit leukocyte-mediated inflammatory responses, improve pulmonary microcirculation, and alleviate pulmonary edema, thereby reducing the symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

3. Reduction of pulmonary inflammatory response: Methylprednisolone can reduce the severity of inflammatory reactions by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators, thus protecting lung tissue from further damage.

4. Relief of respiratory symptoms: Methylprednisolone can reduce mucus secretion and bronchial constriction, thereby alleviating respiratory symptoms and enabling easier breathing for the child.

5. Adjunctive treatment of tuberculosis: Methylprednisolone can inhibit macrophage activity, preventing them from releasing inflammatory mediators toward Mycobacterium tuberculosis, thereby reducing inflammatory responses and assisting in tuberculosis treatment.

If a child suffers from pneumonia and requires methylprednisolone treatment, the medication should be administered under the guidance of a physician. Meanwhile, parents should ensure the child gets sufficient rest and adequate nutrition to promote recovery.