How to Prevent and Care for Neonatal Pneumonia

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on September 18, 2024
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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.

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Written by Gao Shan Na
Neonatology
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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 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 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 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.