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The treatment of childhood pneumonia lasts about 7 to 14 days and is done using antibiotics according to the causative agent of the disease, and the use of oral amoxicillin or penicillin injection 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 caused by viruses.
It is important that the treatment is done in accordance with the doctor's guidance to avoid the appearance of signs and symptoms that are indicative of seriousness, as in these cases it is necessary for the child to be hospitalized so that the treatment can be done correctly.
1. Home treatment
When pneumonia is not so severe, the doctor can authorize the child's treatment to be done at home as long as the recommendations are followed. Thus, the use of antibiotics is usually indicated according to the microorganism involved in the infection, and the use of penicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanate, cefuroxime, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim 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 medicine indicated by the doctor is given to the child at the time and dose indicated, as this way it is possible to guarantee the cure of pneumonia. In addition, it is important to take care of the child during treatment, such as:
- Ensure good nutrition and hydration;
- Keep the airways clean;
- Avoid cough syrups;
- Perform daily nebulizations or as directed by the doctor.
Infantile pneumonia is curable, but it can progress to severe cases when treatment is not started within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms such as fever over 38º, coughing with phlegm, loss of appetite, rapid breathing and no desire to play. In these situations, the child may need to be hospitalized for treatment with medication in the veins or receive oxygen.
Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of pneumonia.
2. Treatment at the hospital
Hospital treatment is indicated when treatment at home is not enough to fight pneumonia and signs and symptoms of worsening pneumonia are observed, such as:
- Purplish lips or fingertips;
- Great movement of the ribs when breathing;
- Constant and frequent groans due to pain and difficulty in breathing;
- Paleness and prostration, lack of desire to play;
- Convulsions;
- Fainting moments;
- Vomiting;
- Cold skin and difficulty in maintaining the ideal temperature;
- Difficulty in drinking fluids and eating.
Thus, if the parents observe the appearance of any of these symptoms, they should take the child to the hospital so that he or she can be hospitalized and receive the indicated treatment. Treatment of pneumonia in the hospital includes using antibiotics that can be given through the vein or muscle, and using an oxygen mask to breathe better. Saline can be an option to keep your child properly hydrated and physiotherapy can help them breathe less effortlessly and more efficiently.
After the start of treatment, the pediatrician usually evaluates in 48 hours if the child is responding well to treatment or if there are signs of worsening or maintenance of fever, which indicates that it is necessary to change or adjust the dose of the antibiotic.
Even after the first signs of improvement, it is important to maintain the treatment for the time determined by the doctor and to ensure that the pneumonia has been cured, the pediatrician may indicate that the child has a chest x-ray before discharge.