Ways to prevent pneumonia in children

Pneumonia is one of those illnesses that parents fear the worst. But, is it dangerous? The numbers themselves say it is – pneumonia-induced lung inflammation and fluid build-up lead to over one million hospitalisations every year. Out of these patients, 5% to 10% do not survive. Children below the age of two are the most vulnerable group because of an underdeveloped immune system, killing at least one child every 45 seconds. This is especially dangerous for children with a weakened immune system or those suffering from conditions like sickle cell disease, which can increase the risk of severe lung infection.

In this article, we’ll talk about ways to prevent pneumonia in children so you don’t have to fear the worst when your child gets sick.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an illness that affects one or both lungs, caused by bacteria known as Streptococcus pneumoniae. This condition is greatly feared because it may be confused with a chest infection, and it is the most common infectious cause of death worldwide.

As the winter months approach, it’s essential to stay extra cautious, as this condition can escalate quickly. This is why it’s crucial to recognise the signs and learn how to prevent pneumonia before it develops rapidly.

Recognising the signs of pneumonia and how to prevent it

What are the symptoms of pneumonia, and how can you distinguish it from a chest infection?

There is an increased risk that children can progress to pneumonia from illnesses such as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) if it’s not treated, so prevention of pneumonia is paramount.

The early warning symptoms of pneumonia may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, chest pain, and loss of appetite. It is very important to find ways to prevent pneumonia when your child gets sick, so here are some ways that help boost your child’s immunity.

Pneumonia can be prevented and immunisations can help

The first thing you can do for your child is to get a pneumonia vaccine. In America, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all children (even babies) must receive the pneumococcal shot to stay sufficiently immunised against the lung disease. In the UK, babies will get their 1st dose at 12 weeks and a booster dose at 1 year.

Besides preventing the contraction of pneumonia, the vaccine shots will stop the illness from infecting others. The CDC has recently expanded its pneumonia vaccination guidelines for nurses to administer doses. They are trained through a pediatric NP program to gather detailed medical history and educate parents on the vaccination. This way, you can stay up-to-date with your child’s vaccination status against pneumonia.

How to prevent pneumonia – Practice good hygiene

Another effective way to prevent pneumonia infection is to maintain good hygiene, especially washing hands. Since pneumonia is primarily contracted because of bacteria, you must teach your child the importance of germ prevention. Using alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap and water aren’t available is another effective way to reduce the risk of lung infections in children.

Make sure you change your baby’s nappy frequently and keep their airways clear to keep them clean and dry through pulmonary hygiene (clearing airways of mucus). Monitor your child for any signs of coughing (especially if they don’t cough effectively).

If your child is struggling, you can seek help through paediatric nurses, who can teach your child the appropriate position to encourage vigorous and clear coughing. According to Baylor University, these nurses undergo training to address your child’s health needs. For example, if your nurse senses your child cannot cough out the mucus, they may recommend chest physiotherapy for relief.

Tips for preventing pneumonia – boosting the immune system

It’s important to keep a cold from turning into pneumonia, so the best tip on how to prevent pneumonia when sick is to stay on top and take the steps to build your child’s immunity, as it’s ultimately the body’s immune system that fights allergens, microbes, and other harmful foreign substances. So, pneumonia preventive measures like healthy living are vital. Ensure your child has a highly nutritious diet tailored to their age group to support their immune response.

Some food items rich in antioxidants can serve as preventive measures against pneumonia, including kale, spinach, salmon, beans, nuts, and fruits high in vitamin C. These foods contain anti-inflammatory properties, enabling the body to regenerate its cells and tissues.

For babies, breastfeeding offers the nutrition your baby needs to act as a prevention for pneumonia instead of commercial formulas. Just ensure the bank collects, stores, and distributes the milk hygienically.

If you’re formula-feeding your baby, it’s worth staying informed. A recent NEC Baby Formulate Lawsuit has brought attention to preemie formulas linked to necrotising enterocolitis. This serious gut condition can lead to complications in lung health and overall immunity. It’s a reminder to choose your formula carefully, consult with your healthcare provider, and explore options like donor milk when necessary.

What helps to prevent pneumonia – keeping indoor pollution levels low

Can indoor pollution contribute to pneumonia? Yes, as stated by the National Library of Medicine and WHO. The latter found that at least 22% of adult pneumonia-related deaths occur because of household pollution.

According to the American Lung Association, exposure to indoor pollutants can weaken the immune system and increase the chances of children getting pneumonia. Smoke, fumes, and damp conditions all elevate this risk. Even secondhand smoke is linked to lung cancer and other serious conditions.

Imagine how this might affect children, whose lungs are still developing, thereby making them highly vulnerable to such hazards. To reduce indoor pollution levels, use pollutant-generating products with proper ventilation. Reduce the moisture inside the home using a dehumidifier.

You can even mix your favourite essential oils with vinegar in a spray bottle to create a natural air cleanser. The same can be used with some boiling water in a diffuser. Also, invest in cleaner alternatives for cooking fuels, including electricity and propane.

Finally, go all natural by installing air-purifying house plants such as English Ivy, Peace Lily, Snake plant, Spider plant, and Sword fern.

Other ways to prevent pneumonia – maintain a clean environment

A germ-free environment is a must to prevent conditions caused by such nasties. Just like handwashing is vital to keep hands germ-free, a disinfectant is important to keep surfaces free from harmful microbes.

You must regularly wipe down surfaces like door handles, refrigerators, countertops, faucets, etc., with a good disinfectant. It’s best to avoid chemical-laden disinfectants like Clorox and invest in natural alternatives like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and essential oils like patchouli and cinnamon. 

The latter two must be diluted with a stronger disinfecting agent like vinegar or alcohol. Other than this, wash all clothing items, bedding, towels, dusters, etc., in hot water frequently.

Breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia

Breathing exercises can help improve lung function and clear mucus from the airways. Here are some child-friendly breathing exercises:

Bubble blowing

This fun activity encourages children to take deep breaths and exhale slowly to create bubbles. Use a bubble wand and bubble solution and ask your child to take a deep breath and then blow slowly and steadily to create bubbles.

Blowing balloons

Blowing balloons is another way to encourage deep breaths and controlled exhalation. Ask your child to take a deep breath and then try to inflate the balloon with a long, steady exhale.

Blowing pinwheels or feathers

Your child can practice deep breathing by blowing on pinwheels or feathers. This requires deep breaths in and controlled breaths out to make the pinwheel spin or to keep the feather in the air.

Teddy bear breathing

Have the child lie on their back with a small stuffed animal on their belly and ask them to breathe in deeply and watch the teddy rise, then breathe out and watch it fall. This exercise helps children visualise diaphragmatic breathing.

Counting breaths

Ask your child to breathe in deeply while you count slowly to three, then exhale while counting to three. This helps them focus on taking slow, deep breaths.

Smell the flowers, blow the candles

Pretend to smell a flower by inhaling deeply through the nose. Then pretend to blow out candles by exhaling slowly through the mouth.

“Hissing” Breath:

Ask the child to take a deep breath and then exhale slowly, making a hissing sound like a snake. This can help with elongating the exhalation.

It’s important to make these exercises fun and not forced. Encourage your child to engage in these activities regularly, especially if they have recently been ill or are prone to respiratory infections. Always consult with a paediatrician before starting any new exercise regimen, especially for children with pre-existing health conditions.

Living with pneumonia

Living with pneumonia requires careful management to minimise discomfort and ensure a full recovery.

One pneumonia precaution is to follow the treatment plan and make sure your child takes the full course of any medications prescribed. Monitor symptoms closely and report any worsening or new symptoms to your child’s doctor immediately.

Your child should rest as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids to fight the infection and loosen the mucus in the lungs. Offer a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables. Good nutrition supports the immune system. Building lung health through diet also helps reduce the risk of both pneumonia and chronic lung disease later in life. Children with a strong immune system are less likely to contract respiratory syncytial virus or other infections that can cause pneumonia.

Use fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen as recommended by your healthcare provider to help manage discomfort from fever and a cool-mist humidifier in the child’s room to help ease breathing and soothe irritated lungs.

Keep your child away from smoke, fumes, and other lung irritants that can exacerbate symptoms. If your child is old enough, teach them simple breathing exercises to help with their breathing like the above. Extra pillows to elevate your child’s head can also provide comfort and reduce coughing at night.

Be patient and understanding. Being sick can be scary for a child, so provide emotional support and reassurance and attend all follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider to monitor the child’s progress and recovery.

Tips for postpneumonic recovery – avoiding postoperative pneumonia

Postpneumonic recovery in children and secondary prevention of pneumonia, especially following surgery, requires specific care to reduce the risk of postoperative pneumonia.

Follow your child’s paediatric care guidelines and complete any full course of prescribed antibiotics.

Make sure your child is well-hydrated to help loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to clear.

Provide a balanced nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals to boost the immune system. Offer small, frequent meals if your child struggles to eat. Make sure they also get a lot of rest to recover and boost their strength. But gentle activities are also important like playing to boost the mind and body.

Regular breathing exercises not only help the lungs recover but also serve as a long-term preventive measure, especially for children prone to respiratory illnesses. Providers recommend these exercises to help prevent recurrent pneumonia and complications.

Final thoughts on how to prevent recurrent pneumonia

Children with weak immune systems and existing ailments, such as asthma, are at a higher risk of contracting pneumonia. Since pneumonia is highly contagious, it’s important to follow the above tips for pneumonia prevention.

If your child shows any of the early warning signs of the illness, take your child to a physician at the earliest. Deadly as it is, pneumonia can be cured when detected and treated on time.

For families managing asthma, cancer treatments, or other long-term health issues, staying informed about lung health research can be a game-changer. The American Lung Association provides excellent resources, including live chat options, to connect directly with experts on prevention and care.

FAQ  

What are the 3 major causes of pneumonia and how can I prevent it?

Various infectious agents can cause pneumonia in children, but three major categories of causes include:

• Bacterial Infections: Bacterial pneumonia is a common cause of pneumonia in children. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is one of the most frequent bacterial pathogens responsible for paediatric pneumonia. Other bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, can also cause pneumonia in children.
• Viral Infections: Viral pneumonia is another common cause in children, especially in younger age groups. Viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, adenovirus, and human metapneumovirus can lead to pneumonia in children.
• Fungal Infections: While less common, fungal pneumonia can occur in children with weakened immune systems, such as those with certain underlying medical conditions or on immunosuppressive medications.

Preventing pneumonia in children involves several strategies as mentioned above like ensuring your child is up-to-date with their recommended vaccinations, including those for pneumococcal pneumonia, Hib, influenza, and other relevant vaccines. These vaccines can help prevent pneumonia caused by bacterial pathogens like Haemophilus influenzae type b and Streptococcus pneumoniae, which are common causes of acquired pneumonia and community-acquired pneumonia.

If possible, breastfeed your baby. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect against respiratory infections, including pneumonia.

Teach your child good handwashing habits to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. Please encourage them to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.

Limit your child’s exposure to those who are sick with respiratory infections, as these illnesses can easily spread to children.

Providing your child with a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can help support their immune system, making them less susceptible to infections.

Avoid exposing your child to tobacco smoke, as secondhand smoke increases the risk of respiratory infections, including pneumonia.

Keep your home clean and well-ventilated to reduce allergens and irritants that can contribute to respiratory illnesses.

If your child develops symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as cough, fever, or shortness of breath, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the progression of pneumonia.

If your child attends nursery or school, make sure that the facility follows proper hygiene and infection control practices to minimise the risk of infections spreading among children.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

Your child’s doctor will start by taking a detailed medical history, including information about the child’s symptoms, such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. The doctor will perform a thorough physical examination, which includes listening to your child’s lungs with a stethoscope to detect abnormal breath sounds, like crackles or wheezing, that may suggest pneumonia.

A chest X-ray is a standard diagnostic tool to check the lungs and confirm pneumonia. It will assess its extent and location. Your child’s doctor may also conduct a blood test to check for signs of infection and inflammation. These tests can include a complete blood count (CBC) and a C-reactive protein (CRP) test.

If your child is producing sputum (mucus or phlegm) through coughing, a sample of sputum may be collected and analysed to identify the type of microorganism causing the infection, particularly for bacterial pneumonia.

Your child’s doctor can use pulse oximetry to measure their oxygen saturation level in the child’s blood. Low oxygen levels are often associated with pneumonia.

What is walking pneumonia?

Pneumonia and walking pneumonia refer to the severity, where “walking pneumonia” is a term often used to describe a milder form of pneumonia that is typically not severe enough to require bed rest or hospitalisation. It is usually caused by bacteria, most commonly Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and is characterised by symptoms that are less severe than those of typical pneumonia.

Is there a vaccine for pneumonia?

Yes, there are vaccines available to help protect against pneumonia. These vaccines do not prevent all cases of pneumonia, but they significantly reduce the risk of developing pneumonia caused by certain organisms. The two main types of pneumonia vaccines are:

1. Pneumococcal Vaccines: These vaccines protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of bacterial pneumonia. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines:
   • Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13 or Prevnar 13): This vaccine is recommended for all babies and young children, as well as adults 65 years or older and people between the ages of 2 and 64 with certain medical conditions.
   • Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23 or Pneumovax 23): This vaccine is recommended for all adults 65 years or older, people 2 through 64 years old with certain medical conditions, and adults 19 through 64 years old who smoke cigarettes.
2. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Vaccine: This vaccine is primarily given to children under 5 years old and protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, which can cause different types of infections, including pneumonia.

In addition to these, getting vaccinated against other diseases like influenza flu vaccine and COVID-19 can also help reduce the risk of pneumonia as a complication from these viruses.

Who shouldn’t get a pneumonia vaccine?

Other questions asked were:

• Potential side effects of the pneumonia vaccines

While pneumonia vaccines are recommended for most people, certain individuals should not receive them or should wait before getting vaccinated. These exceptions generally include:

1. Severe Allergic Reactions: Individuals who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of a pneumococcal vaccine, or to any vaccine component, should not receive that vaccine again.
2. Moderate or Severe Illness: People who are moderately or severely ill at the time a vaccine is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting the vaccine. This does not apply to those with a mild illness, such as a cold.
3. Age Restrictions: Each pneumococcal vaccine has age-specific recommendations. For instance, PCV13 (Prevnar 13) is primarily recommended for children under 2 years old, adults 65 years or older, and people between the ages of 2 and 64 with certain medical conditions. PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23) is recommended for all adults 65 years or older and people 2 through 64 years old with certain medical conditions.
4. Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before getting a pneumococcal vaccine. While there is no evidence that these vaccines pose risks during pregnancy, the safety data is limited.
5. Individuals with Certain Health Conditions: People with certain health conditions, like a weakened immune system or specific chronic illnesses, should consult with their healthcare providers to determine the appropriate timing and type of pneumococcal vaccination.

*Collaborative feature post*