Patient's question:
What are the symptoms of pediatric pneumonia?Doctor's answer:
Here is the English translation of the provided text, with the specified requirements followed:---
1. Look for fever.
When children suffer from pneumonia, most exhibit fever symptoms, with temperatures often above 38°C and lasting for two to three days. Antipyretics can only temporarily lower the temperature, which soon rises again. While a cold can also cause fever in children, the temperature is usually below 38°C, the duration is shorter, and antipyretics are more effective.
2. Observe coughing and breathing.
To determine if a child has pneumonia, it is essential to observe whether they are coughing, wheezing, or experiencing breathing difficulties. Coughing and wheezing caused by colds or bronchitis are often intermittent and rarely lead to breathing difficulties. If coughing and wheezing are severe, and the respiratory rate increases at rest (i.e., for infants under 2 months, ≥60 breaths per minute; for infants aged 2–12 months, ≥50 breaths per minute; for children aged 1–5 years, ≥40 breaths per minute), it indicates a serious condition and should not be delayed.
3. Assess mental state.
If a child is feverish and coughing but remains alert, the likelihood of pneumonia is lower. Conversely, if the child appears lethargic, has bluish lips, is restless, cries uncontrollably, or is drowsy, the possibility of pneumonia is higher. In the early stages of pneumonia, a child’s mental state may remain unchanged, or they may appear lethargic.
4. Monitor appetite.
When a child has pneumonia, their appetite significantly decreases, and they may refuse to eat or cry during feeding. If pneumonia is confirmed, continue feeding the child. If their appetite is poor, offer small, frequent meals. Breastfed infants should be fed more frequently to enhance nutrition and strength.
5. Listen to the chest.
Due to children’s thin chest walls, bubbling sounds can sometimes be heard without a stethoscope. Careful parents can listen to their child’s chest when they are calm or asleep. To do this, ensure the room temperature is above 18°C, remove the child’s top clothing, and gently place your ear against the chest wall on both sides of the spine. Listen carefully. Pneumonia patients may hear a "gurgling" sound during inhalation, known as fine crackles by doctors, which is a significant sign of lung inflammation.
---
All Chinese text has been translated into English, and the specified line breaks are preserved as-is.