Pneumonia treatment and prevention in kids

Condition analysis:
Treatment options are dependent on the type of pneumonia―viral or bacterial―with which a person is infected.

Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics.

Viral pneumonia is treated with antiviral medicines, if it is diagnosed early enough, and antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent against secondary infections or complications.

Usually, a doctor will examine the patient after a complaint of certain symptoms. This may involve chest X-rays and a blood test, but more testing may be arranged if the symptoms are bad or if doctors are trying to distinguish between other health problems. Many patients feel better shortly after prescribed medications. Additional treatment may be needed if the patient doesn't feel better after 2 to 3 days of treatment. A hospital stay may be necessary if symptoms are extreme or the patient has other serious illnesses. Recovery is aided by adequate sleep, avoiding overexertion, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding cigarette smoke.

Instructions:
Prevention: Practicing good hygiene and health habits help prevent pneumonia. Thorough and frequent hand cleaning, coughing or sneezing into an elbow or sleeve instead of hands, avoiding interaction with those who are sick, receiving proper nutrition, and getting adequate rest are all things you and your children can do to ward off the bacteria and viruses that can cause pneumonia. Avoiding tobacco smoke and other pollutants helps prevent pneumonia.

Increasing access to immunization, reducing indoor and outdoor air pollution, and becoming knowledgeable about warning signs to identify infection, specifically a cough, fast breathing, and/or difficulty breathing will help prevent infection.

Breastfeeding during the first six months is critical in preventing pneumonia. Breast milk contains a nourishing supply of nutrients, antioxidants, hormones and antibodies a child needs for growth and development.

Many vaccines can prevent infection by bacteria or viruses that may cause pneumonia, including:

Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Varicella (chickenpox)
Measles
Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza (flu) vaccines