How to Determine if an Infant Has Pneumonia
Dec 25, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
To determine whether an infant has pneumonia, confirmation can be made by observing body temperature changes, monitoring respiratory status, paying attention to coughing and sputum production, checking mental status, and conducting medical examinations. If pneumonia is diagnosed, medications such as amoxicillin sodium for injection, cefixime granules, and ribavirin injection may be administered under a doctor's guidance to control the infection.
To determine whether an infant has pneumonia, methods such as observing body temperature changes, monitoring respiratory status, paying attention to cough and sputum production, examining mental status, and performing medical tests can be used for confirmation. If any abnormalities are detected, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Observe body temperature changes: Infant pneumonia is usually accompanied by fever, with body temperature possibly exceeding 38°C, or even reaching above 39°C, and lasting for several days. However, it should be noted that newborns or infants with weak immunity may present with hypothermia instead. Therefore, parents should closely monitor the infant's temperature changes.
2. Monitor respiratory status: In infants with pneumonia, breathing becomes significantly faster and may be accompanied by wheezing or difficulty breathing. The normal respiratory rate for a newborn is about 40 breaths per minute, whereas infants with pneumonia may have a respiratory rate exceeding 60 breaths per minute. Additionally, the infant may display symptoms such as frothing at the mouth, cyanosis around the mouth, or flaring of the nostrils.
3. Pay attention to cough and sputum production: Coughing is a common symptom of infant pneumonia. Initially, it may present as an irritating dry cough, followed by productive cough with sputum. The sputum may appear as white frothy material or yellow purulent discharge. Parents should carefully observe the infant's cough and sputum production, as well as the characteristics and color of the sputum.
4. Examine mental status: When an infant has pneumonia, their emotional state may be poor, such as showing excessive crying, seizures, or appearing listless, sleepy, and significantly less active. These symptoms indicate the infant's poor physical condition and possible presence of pneumonia.
5. Perform medical examinations: A professional physician can perform a physical examination to check for signs like cyanosis or tachypnea, or use auscultation to detect abnormal bubbling or crackling sounds in the lungs. Complete blood count tests or imaging examinations may also be conducted to determine the presence of infection. Imaging tests, such as chest CT or X-ray, can reveal shadows or increased lung markings, thus confirming pneumonia. Additionally, sputum analysis can identify the type of pathogen involved, which helps in accurately selecting antibiotic treatment.
If pneumonia in the infant is confirmed, medications such as amoxicillin sodium for injection, cefixime granules, and ribavirin injection can be administered under the guidance of a doctor to control the infection.
