Is it good for a newborn to have a chest X-ray for pneumonia?

Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
Updated on September 06, 2024
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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.)

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Obvious symptoms of neonatal pneumonia

The clinical manifestations of neonatal pneumonia vary greatly and can usually be divided into three scenarios. The first scenario involves congenital pneumonia, which generally occurs within 24 hours after birth due to intrauterine infection. There is often a history of asphyxia, and after birth, the symptoms can include significant shortness of breath, moaning, cyanosis, and even respiratory distress. The baby may also exhibit unstable body temperature and poor responsiveness. The second scenario is pneumonia acquired during the delivery process. Typically, the clinical symptoms appear later, arising several days or weeks post-birth. It is usually characterized by reduced appetite, coughing, and varying degrees of fever. The third scenario is pneumonia acquired after birth, where onset is relatively sudden. Symptoms may include fever or hypothermia, frothy spit, phlegm, and in some cases, coughing. Generally, the responsiveness is relatively poor in these cases. Due to the large variety of clinical symptoms resulting from different types of infections at different stages, it is crucial to carefully distinguish between them and seek timely medical examination and treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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What tests are done at the hospital for neonatal pneumonia?

Newborns have immature tracheal functions and low immune function; once neonatal pneumonia occurs, hospitalization is definitely required. The usual tests needed include the following aspects: First, imaging tests, typically including chest X-rays or a CT scan of the lungs, are necessary to understand the extent, severity, and specific details of the lung lesions. Second, tests related to infection are needed. This generally includes complete blood counts, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, etc. In cases with significant throat phlegm, sputum culture and blood culture are also needed to identify the pathogen. Third, an assessment of the child’s tracheal function and internal environmental status is required. This typically involves blood tests for liver function, kidney function, cardiac enzymes, electrolytes, etc., to enable a comprehensive assessment and accurate treatment.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Do newborns with pneumonia have a red complexion?

Neonatal pneumonia generally does not cause a flushed face; instead, it may lead to cyanosis or blueness. Neonatal pneumonia can present with fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, but these symptoms might not be typical and could merely show as rapid breathing and severe vomiting. The physical signs of neonatal pneumonia are also not obvious, and it is difficult to hear wet rales in the lungs. When a newborn has pneumonia, due to the obstruction of gas exchange in the lungs, the infant will breathe faster to improve the hypoxic condition, thus presenting shortness of breath and a tendency to vomit easily. When a baby has pneumonia, they are prone to hypoxia, and the face and lips may turn blue or cyanotic, rather than red.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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Newborn pneumonia symptoms

Neonatal pneumonia is primarily aspiration pneumonia, which differs from the symptoms of pneumonia in adults. Neonates do not exhibit signs such as coughing or expectoration. Instead, they often show symptoms of anorexia, vomiting, gasping, and fever. During physical examination, wet rales can be heard through auscultation. Once pneumonia is diagnosed, the first step is to clear the newborn's respiratory tract to maintain its patency. At the same time, selecting appropriate antimicrobial drugs to actively control the infection can lead to recovery. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.