Newborn pneumonia symptoms

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 27, 2024
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If a newborn gets pneumonia, it can manifest as coughing, although some newborns may not cough at all, showing only symptoms like spitting white foam. Some may have a mild fever, while others may experience slightly rapid breathing. More severe cases can present with cyanosis of the lips, unhealthy-looking facial complexion, or a bluish purple facial color. These are signs of severe pneumonia. Additionally, there might be a decrease in urine output, poor responsiveness, etc. The symptoms of pneumonia in newborns are relatively less typical than those in older infants and toddlers.

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Written by Gao Shan Na
Neonatology
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How long is the treatment for neonatal pneumonia?

Neonatal pneumonia, commonly referred to here, is an infectious pneumonia and a prevalent disease among newborns, also a significant cause of neonatal mortality. Its causes include intrauterine infectious pneumonia, infections during the delivery process, and postnatal infections. Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of the lung infection, the toxicity of the pathogen, and individual differences in the host response. For mild infections, the general treatment duration is seven to ten days, but for severe infections, it may extend to two to three weeks or even longer, particularly with specific pathogens.

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Written by Gao Shan Na
Neonatology
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Is the mortality rate of neonatal pneumonia high?

Neonatal pneumonia typically refers to infectious pneumonia, which is a common disease in newborns and a significant cause of neonatal mortality. It can occur in utero, during the birth process, or after birth, caused by bacteria, viruses, or protozoa. Approximately two million children die from neonatal pneumonia worldwide each year. Therefore, once signs and symptoms of pulmonary infection are detected in a child, it is essential to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
36sec home-news-image

Newborn pneumonia symptoms

If a newborn gets pneumonia, it can manifest as coughing, although some newborns may not cough at all, showing only symptoms like spitting white foam. Some may have a mild fever, while others may experience slightly rapid breathing. More severe cases can present with cyanosis of the lips, unhealthy-looking facial complexion, or a bluish purple facial color. These are signs of severe pneumonia. Additionally, there might be a decrease in urine output, poor responsiveness, etc. The symptoms of pneumonia in newborns are relatively less typical than those in older infants and toddlers.

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home-news-image
Written by Gao Shan Na
Neonatology
44sec home-news-image

Is neonatal pneumonia vomiting severe?

Some common symptoms of neonatal pneumonia include: frothy sputum, shortness of breath, cough, fever, and the three-concave sign. If the bacterial pathogen of this lung infection also affects the gastrointestinal tract, there may also be symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. When severe pneumonia causes cyanosis and lack of oxygen in the child, accompanied by frequent vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration, this type of pneumonia is quite severe and it is essential to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
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Is it good for a newborn to have a chest X-ray for pneumonia?

If a newborn exhibits symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing, and pneumonia is suspected, it is essential to take a chest X-ray. Although the child is very young and just born, and despite the presence of certain radiation from the chest X-ray, the pros and cons must be weighed. For the sake of an accurate diagnosis and timely medication treatment, a chest X-ray is necessary. Unlike adult pneumonia, neonatal pneumonia progresses very rapidly. If the medication is not administered promptly and the diagnosis is uncertain, the condition can easily be delayed and progress too quickly. Thus, at this time, concerns about radiation should be set aside, and a chest X-ray is definitely needed. If the chest X-ray does not confirm the diagnosis, even conducting a CT scan might be necessary. It is crucial to clarify the diagnosis quickly and start treatment promptly. Because neonatal pneumonia is truly different from adult pneumonia, it progresses very rapidly and can potentially lead to severe complications like sepsis and shock, which are very dangerous. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)