The treatment of childhood pneumonia lasts approximately 7 to 14 days and is carried out with the use of antibiotics depending on the causal agent of the disease, the use of oral amoxicillin or injectable penicillin prescribed by the pediatrician may be indicated.
During the treatment of childhood pneumonia, it is recommended that the child rest, without going to school or other public places, as childhood pneumonia can be contagious, especially when it is caused by viruses.
- It is important that treatment is done according to the doctor’s instructions to avoid signs and symptoms indicative of severity.
- As in these cases it is necessary for the child to be hospitalized for the treatment to be done correctly.
When pneumonia is not as severe, your doctor may authorize the child’s treatment at home as long as recommendations are followed. Thus, the use of antibiotics is usually indicated according to the microorganism involved in the infection, the use of penicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanate, cefuroxima, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprima or erythromycin, for example, may be recommended. In addition, in cases where pneumonia is caused by viruses, the use of antivirals may be indicated.
It is important that the medication indicated by the doctor is given to the child at the indicated time and dose, as this can ensure the healing of pneumonia. In addition, it is important to care for your child during treatment, such as:
Childhood pneumonia is curable, but can progress to severe cases when treatment does not start within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms such as fever of more than 38 degrees, cough with mucus, loss of appetite, rapid breathing and lack of desire to play. In these situations, the child may need to be hospitalized to receive treatment with medications in the veins or receive oxygen.
Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of pneumonia
Hospital treatment is indicated when home treatment is not sufficient to combat pneumonia and signs and symptoms of pneumonia aggravation are observed, such as:
For example, if parents notice any of these symptoms, they should take the child to the hospital for hospitalization and treatment. Treatment for pneumonia in the hospital includes the use of antibiotics that can be given through the vein or muscle and the use of an oxygen mask to breathe better. Saline may be an option to keep your child well hydrated, and physical therapy can help him or her breathe less effort and more efficiently.
After starting treatment, the pediatrician usually assesses 48 hours if the child responds well to treatment or if there are signs of worsening or maintenance of the fever, indicating that the dose of the antibiotic needs to be changed or adjusted.
Even after the first signs of improvement, it is important to maintain treatment for as long as your doctor determines and to make sure the pneumonia has healed, the pediatrician may indicate that the child is having a chest x-ray before discharge.