What tests are done at the hospital for neonatal pneumonia?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on September 27, 2024
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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Gao Shan Na
Neonatology
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How many days does a newborn need to be hospitalized for pneumonia?

Neonatal pneumonia is a common disease in newborns and the most common form of infection and a significant cause of death. It can occur during childbirth or after birth and is caused by various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi. In fact, pneumonia can be mild or severe. The usual treatment duration for mild pneumonia is 7-10 days. In severe cases, if there are complications like respiratory failure, heart failure, or damage to other vital organs, then the treatment duration will definitely be longer.

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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 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 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 Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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How to Prevent and Care for Neonatal Pneumonia

Prevention and care of neonatal pneumonia mainly involve paying attention to the following points: First, pay close attention to the feeding methods to prevent the child from aspirating and causing aspiration pneumonia; Second, ensure that the baby is kept warm to prevent catching colds which could lead to secondary viral or bacterial infections, worsening the condition; Third, be vigilant about preventing cross-infection in terms of hygiene. This includes maintaining hand hygiene and ventilating rooms frequently; Fourth, follow the doctor's orders for treatment and medication, especially if the child has pneumonia and is usually hospitalized. If it is a mother-baby room, follow the doctor’s instructions to properly administer medication to the child to prevent aspiration during medication, which could worsen the condition.