Pneumonia in children is a serious respiratory disease with a high mortality rate, especially in those under 5 years of age. The condition can progress rapidly and lead to dangerous complications if not detected, diagnosed, and treated promptly.
What is pneumonia in children?
Pneumonia in children is an infection of the lung parenchyma, which may spread throughout both lungs or be localized in a single lobe. In Vietnam, approximately 2.9 million children develop pneumonia each year, with around 4,000 deaths. The country is considered one of the 15 nations with the highest number of childhood pneumonia cases worldwide.
Causes of pneumonia in children
The main causes of pneumonia in children are viruses and bacteria:
- Common viruses: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus, adenovirus types 1–7, enterovirus, rhinovirus, and others.
- Bacteria: depending on age and overall health, children may be infected by different bacterial groups such as group B streptococcus, pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae), and Haemophilus influenzae.
Children can develop pneumonia at any time of the year, but the disease is most common during seasonal transitions, sudden weather changes, or in cold conditions.
Symptoms of pneumonia in children
Pneumonia in children presents with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, depending on age, the cause, and the severity of the disease. Typical symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing: chest retractions, use of intercostal muscles when inhaling.
- Rapid breathing: continuous fast, labored breathing with wheezing or stridor. Breathing is considered rapid if: Over 60 breaths/minute in infants under 2 months, over 50 breaths/minute in children 2 months–1 year, over 40 breaths/minute in children older than 1 year. Parents can check their child’s breathing by counting breaths over 1 minute (one inhale + one exhale = one breath), repeating the count about 3 times for accuracy.
- Cough: frequent, persistent, and severe productive cough, often worsening at night. Sputum may be clear, yellow, or thick green.
- Fever and fatigue: high fever, refusal to breastfeed, loss of appetite.
- Chest pain, bluish lips, vomiting.
Is pneumonia contagious?
Pneumonia is an acute infectious disease that spreads easily and has a high risk of outbreak, especially in crowded settings such as daycare centers and schools. It can be transmitted from an infected person to others through saliva droplets when coughing, sneezing, or talking, as well as indirectly via contact with objects and surfaces contaminated with pathogens in the surrounding environment.
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Why does pneumonia recur frequently in children?
Pneumonia is a very serious illness in children, and repeated episodes increase the risk of severe complications. There are several reasons why pneumonia may recur, which parents should pay attention to:
- Sudden weather changes: fluctuating hot and cold conditions during seasonal transitions create favorable environments for viruses and bacteria to thrive.
- Polluted living environment: exposure to dust, smoke, crowded spaces, poor hygiene, and secondhand smoke increases the risk of infection and disease spread.
- Immature immune system: premature or low-birth-weight infants, as well as children with underlying respiratory conditions, are more vulnerable to recurrent pneumonia.
- Improper use of antibiotics: parents may self-medicate, overuse antibiotics, or administer them incorrectly (wrong dosage or incomplete course). This leads to antibiotic resistance, making it harder to eliminate pathogens and causing the illness to return repeatedly.
Diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia in children at Hong Ngoc General Hospital
For pediatric pneumonia, doctors at Hong Ngoc General Hospital focus on thorough clinical examinations and laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause of the disease. Identifying whether the pneumonia is viral or bacterial is essential for accurate diagnosis. Based on this assessment, physicians analyze the child’s condition and provide a personalized treatment regimen that is both precise and effective.
Early check-up at Hong Ngoc – faster recovery for your child, peace of mind for mothers
When a child shows early signs of bronchitis, it is important to take them for a pediatric consultation promptly. Timely and accurate diagnosis not only shortens treatment duration but also speeds up recovery. With a team of pediatricians boasting over 20 years of experience and the commitment to safe, modern, and convenient healthcare, the Pediatrics Department of Hong Ngoc General Hospital has become a trusted destination for the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia in children.
- One-on-one consultation with senior specialists: direct examination with experts holding more than 20 years of experience, ensuring accurate identification of the cause in a single visit and continuous follow-up throughout the child’s treatment.
- Advanced diagnostic imaging: state-of-the-art equipment such as digital X-ray and CT scanners provide detailed, high-resolution images, enabling the detection of deep lesions for precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
- WHO-standard treatment protocols: antibiotics are minimized and prescribed only when there is bacterial co-infection or acute respiratory failure. This approach prevents antibiotic resistance and reduces recurrence. Respiratory physiotherapy is combined to shorten treatment duration and enhance recovery.
- Strict infection control: rigorous sterilization protocols and separate patient pathways in both outpatient and inpatient settings ensure maximum safety, preventing secondary and cross-infections.
- Efficient procedures: streamlined check-up process minimizes waiting times.
- Insurance support: acceptance of health insurance helps optimize treatment costs.
- 5-star hospital–hotel model: high-quality inpatient rooms, spacious play areas for children, and complimentary buffet vouchers create a comfortable, family-friendly environment.
Note: The information provided in this article by Hong Ngoc General Hospital is for reference only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. For an accurate assessment of your condition, please visit a hospital for direct examination, diagnosis, and consultation with a physician to receive the most appropriate treatment plan.
PEDIATRICS DEPARTMENT – HONG NGOC GENERAL HOSPITAL
Clinic and treatment locations:
- 55 Yen Ninh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- No. 8 Chau Van Liem, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi
- 3rd Floor, Block B, Tasco Mall, 07–09 Nguyen Van Linh, Long Bien, Hanoi
- 10th Floor, Keangnam Landmark 72, Pham Hung, Hanoi
- 1st Floor, TNL Plaza Goldseason, 47 Nguyen Tuan, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi
- 1st Floor, HPC Landmark 105, To Huu, Ha Dong, Hanoi
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd Floors, Kosmo Tay Ho, 161 Xuan La, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi
Free consultation hotline & fastest appointment booking: 0947.616.006
Stay updated with more useful information at: Pediatrics Department – Hong Ngoc General Hospital
