Patient's question:
Please ask: What causes pneumonia? How long does it take to fully recover? What aspects should be paid attention to now?Doctor's answer:
Hello: After a child catches a cold, fever and cough may occur. In more severe cases, it may be complicated by inflammation. So, how can parents determine if their child has pneumonia?The symptom of increased respiratory rate. Since the 1980s, the World Health Organization (WHO) has vigorously promoted "case management of acute respiratory infections" in developing countries, developing a simple "acute respiratory infection routine" that can be grasped by grassroots health workers and parents. This routine involves observing whether the child has an increased respiratory rate and chest retractions to determine if the child has pneumonia and assess the severity of the condition.
When observing a child's respiratory rate, it is essential to keep the child calm. The respiratory rate at rest varies with age. For infants under 3 months, the respiratory rate should be less than 60 breaths per minute. For infants aged 2 to 12 months, it should be less than 50 breaths per minute. For children aged 1 to 4 years, it should be less than 40 breaths per minute. Chest retractions refer to the inward movement of the lower chest wall during inhalation.
If the child has a cough and an increased respiratory rate, it indicates mild pneumonia. If there is an increased respiratory rate along with chest retractions, it indicates severe pneumonia. If the child also has difficulty drinking and cyanosis, it indicates very severe pneumonia. Mild pneumonia can be treated at home, while severe pneumonia requires hospitalization. However, if symptoms are detected, it is essential to first visit a hospital for a doctor's diagnosis.