Managing Sickness In Kids

There’s nothing worse than a sick kid. Having to change plans to take care of a small child who isn’t feeling too hot can be a challenge on many levels. Luckily, most childhood illnesses only last a few days before kids are full of energy again and back to school. However, when pneumonia strikes, symptoms can get serious fast, and more urgent care may be required. Knowing which red flags to watch for in young children can help parents be prepared to act.

Understanding pneumonia

Typically caused by bacteria or a virus, pneumonia is an infection that causes the lungs to fill with fluid, making it difficult to breathe. Pneumonia most commonly affects children under the age of 5 and can be mild or serious. Children with certain risk factors, such as asthma, are at higher risk of severe illness. Common symptoms of pneumonia include cough, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and vomiting or diarrhea. Most children start to feel better in 1-2 weeks with proper treatment, but pneumonia caused by a viral infection or walking pneumonia can last for a month or longer. When managing pneumonia in children, parents should be aware of red flags that could signal more serious illness.

1. Sustained fever

A high fever is a common symptom of many illnesses. However, a sustained fever can be cause for concern. If a fever lasts for more than a few days or does not respond to fever-reducing medication, a call to a doctor is warranted. For very young babies under 3 months of age, any fever is cause for concern. If a thermometer indicates a reading of 100.4 degrees or higher, even short-term, the pediatrician will likely advise a trip to the emergency room.

2. Trouble eating or drinking

Changes in appetite can occur when a child is sick. However, if a kid refuses to eat or is unable to keep any liquids down, additional monitoring may be required. Severe dehydration can cause brain damage, kidney failure, and even death if not properly treated. A child with pneumonia who is dehydrated may need to be admitted to the hospital for intravenous (IV) fluids.

3. Difficulty breathing

Pneumonia affects the lungs and can cause a painful cough. If excessive coughing makes breathing difficult, further assessment is required. Respiratory distress can result in lower oxygen levels in the blood. Known in the medical world as hypoxia, symptoms of low oxygen can include confusion, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, and blueish skin. A pulse oximeter is a convenient way to check oxygen levels at home, but when managing sickness in young children, any concern related to breathing often requires an in-person assessment.

Stay vigilant

Parents of young kids know that extra care is required when sickness strikes. In many cases, a few days of rest are all that is needed to recover from pneumonia. However, some children can experience more serious symptoms and may require additional care. Knowing the red flags to monitor for can help parents stay vigilant when a child is sick with pneumonia.