Pneumonia in a newborn baby chances. Congenital pneumonia in newborns. It's time to sound the alarm! In your case, the likelihood of getting pneumonia is huge

Pneumonia in a newborn is usually called an acute disease of an infectious nature (causative agents of the disease are microorganisms), which is characterized by damage to the respiratory (participating in the actual gas exchange) sections of the lungs.

In this case, the child may show symptoms of systemic (affecting not only the site of the introduction of the pathogen) inflammation. Often, the signs of pneumonia in infants are reduced to a respiratory disorder, while the suspicion of pneumonia in a newborn occurs only with an x-ray examination (the image usually shows an area of ​​shading in the lower parts of the lungs - this is the focus).

Since from the very first minutes of life the location of the child is determined by the obstetric or pediatric department, pneumonia in a newborn can be congenital or nosocomial.

Pneumonia in a newborn is usually divided, depending on the microorganism, after the introduction of which inflammation in the lungs occurred, into the following types:

There are factors that predispose a child to develop congenital pneumonia. The latter are fetal prematurity, complicated pregnancy, the consequences of severe strangulation during childbirth, as well as infectious diseases in the mother (then the infection can be transmitted directly from the mother; this is called the transplacental transmission mechanism: through the placenta - the organ through which the fetus is nourished, with blood mother).

An illustration of the trans-placental transmission route in general.

An additional risk is a caesarean section (removing the baby through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus, respectively). Also, the reasons due to which congenital pneumonia occurs may lie in the violation of the sanitary and epidemiological regime by the hospital staff (for example, insufficient care for the child's respiratory organs). In addition, the introduction of the pathogen into the body of a newborn can occur during a blood transfusion. Unfortunately, such consequences of medical activity are not so rare.

Fundamentally, different causes of pneumonia in a newborn are possible. However, most often the pathogen is in the lungs of the child transplacentally (the consequences of the exchange of blood with the mother), as well as in the case of aspiration (inhalation by the newborn) of the infectious agent along with the amniotic fluid (the fluid that was the habitat for the fetus before birth). That is, congenital pneumonia is the most common.

In the first day of a child's life, if he has inflammation in the lungs, it may be difficult for a doctor to interpret the resulting signs of the disease as symptoms of congenital pneumonia. To understand the true cause of respiratory disorders in a child, you need to know about the indirect signs of inflammation in the lungs. The earliest signs are violations of the function of the gastrointestinal tract, which consist in the growth of food debris in the stomach, mixed with bile.

Symptoms in this case are poor suckling of the breast and constant spitting up during feeding the baby. At the same time, symptoms of general intoxication of the body can be observed: pallor (up to “gray”) skin,

enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly) or liver (hepatomegaly). And sometimes even pathological jaundice happens - a yellow staining of the skin due to a violation of the processes of bile formation and bile secretion (there is also physiological jaundice: it is usually distinguished from pathological by how much bilirubin was detected in the patient during a biochemical blood test).

But the symptoms of pneumonia, characteristic of an adult patient, such as fever (fever) and cough, are completely uncharacteristic of pneumonia in infants.

If the newborn does not have congenital pneumonia, but acquired (nosocomial), it may be hidden behind conditions that require resuscitation (severe suffocation and other critical respiratory disorders of the child). All these are objective consequences of the natural (until treatment is prescribed) course of lung disease. Often, such a development of events accompanies premature babies, especially if a caesarean section was performed (an additional risk factor for infection).

Diagnostic measures in the detection of the disease

To confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia in a newborn, it is necessary to obtain x-ray data,

and also perform seeding

from the birth canal of the mother and the respiratory tract of the child, in order to understand whether the microflora (microorganisms) is the same in them. Also important signs are an increase in the level of leukocytes in the blood (an indicator of inflammation), an increase in the level of C-reactive protein in the time limit of 72 hours after birth (also confirms inflammation). In addition, there may be the following symptoms: the presence of purulent sputum during the first intubation (the introduction of a respiratory tube into the infant's respiratory tract), a significant increase in the newborn's liver on the first day after birth, as well as inflammation in the placenta, which is detected during its special histological examination (study of the tissue structure ) research. All these signs, especially if several of them are found together, indicate the presence of the disease with a high degree of certainty.

In addition to the above signs, important data indicating the possibility of pneumonia in a newborn may be previous infectious diseases in the mother: respiratory infections during pregnancy, chronic inflammation of the female organs or kidneys. Complications that occur in the mother after pregnancy are also important. They indirectly indicate its not quite favorable course.

At the same time, while listening to the child's lungs, wheezing in them will be detected, as well as weakening of breathing (muting of respiratory sounds).

Listening to the heart will give an increase in the number of its contractions in one minute (this is called tachycardia) and some muffled heart beats.

Basic therapeutic measures

Pneumonia is treated successfully (including the consequences of the disease) if optimal conditions for nursing the patient have been previously created.

Non-drug treatment consists mainly in inhalation (based on inhalation) measures: the newborn is given a humidified air-oxygen mixture. At the same time, the tension (quantity) of oxygen in the blood is controlled. Treatment is often accompanied by the transfer of the child to artificial ventilation of the lungs (the introduction of a tube into the trachea with parallel oxygen supply from a special apparatus).

Drug treatment of the disease usually involves antibiotic therapy. They are usually treated with penicillin antibiotics in combination with aminoglycosides (ampicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic). If the causative agent of the disease is established and this is Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, usually represents a nosocomial, rather than congenital infection), then the disease is treated with cephalosporins (also antibacterial drugs) of the 3rd generation (ceftazidime) with aminoglycosides (netilmicin).

In general, it should be noted that the choice of an antibacterial drug, first of all, depends on how many pathogens were found in the lungs of a particular child, which groups of microorganisms they belong to, and also on what consequences the disease had already caused by the time it was diagnosed. .

If the disease is especially severe, treatment may include drugs that directly target the immune system of the newborn. In children, it is not yet perfect, so it is better to avoid such effects. However, if the condition of the baby is really critical, immune therapy may be necessary.

Summary

If we calculate the percentage of mortality in pneumonia in newborns, figures of about 5-10% will be obtained. At the same time, lethality depends, first of all, on the processes against which the disease occurred, as well as on the degree of maturity of the child (pneumonia in premature infants occurs more often and is accompanied by formidable complications). The prognosis worsens if the disease occurs while the child is in the intensive care unit.

To understand whether a congenital disease or nosocomial, you need to consider how much time has passed from the moment the child was born until the moment when the first symptoms of the disease were noticed.

Maternal behavior during and before pregnancy plays an important role in the prevention of pneumonia in newborns. In addition, it is important to comply with the sanitary and epidemiological regime, use the material once, as well as distribute babies in a ratio of no more than two newborns per nurse in the intensive care unit.

The birth of a child is a joyful event. But sometimes it can be overshadowed by complications and congenital diseases, in particular intrauterine or acquired pneumonia. Inflammation of the lungs is a pathology that becomes a test for both the newborn and his parents. Timely diagnosis and treatment will help to avoid serious consequences.

Features of the disease in newborns

Pneumonia is a disease that causes serious complications and health consequences. In newborns, pneumonia can occur as an independent disease or as a complication after, for example, an acute respiratory viral infection.

Inflammation of the lungs is 10 times more likely to affect premature babies

Premature babies are most susceptible to pneumonia. In them, pneumonia occurs in 10–15% of cases, while among children born on time, pathology is diagnosed in only one child out of a hundred. This is due to the underdevelopment of the respiratory muscles, insufficient regulation of the mechanisms of respiration and gas exchange, and the immaturity of the lung tissue.

Types of pneumonia

All cases of pneumonia can be divided into:

• congenital (intrauterine);
• acquired (postnatal).

They differ in the method of infection, symptoms, severity of the disease and possible consequences for the child.

congenital pneumonia

This type of pneumonia develops in the womb and occupies approximately 10% of all pneumonia in newborns. The disease makes itself felt already in the first minutes or days of the baby's life. Infection can occur in many ways:

• transplacental, i.e., the causative agent of the disease entered the child's body through the placenta. Rare;
• antenatally - through the amniotic fluid;
• intranatally, or during childbirth.

Most often, congenital pneumonia occurs due to infection during childbirth with pathogenic microflora located in the birth canal of the mother, or through infected amniotic fluid. The transplacental method is rare.

Acquired

If the disease occurs after childbirth in the first month of a baby's life, then it is called acquired. Such inflammation of the lungs can be:

• out-of-hospital - the child falls ill at home;
• hospital - the disease developed in a hospital in a maternity hospital, intensive care unit, neonatal pathology department, etc.

Causes

There are many factors that contribute to the development of pneumonia in newborns. They are especially dangerous for premature babies. Often several of them can lead to the disease at the same time:

• diseases suffered by a woman during pregnancy;
• the use of steroid drugs by the expectant mother;
• oxygen starvation and suffocation of the fetus;
• complications during childbirth;
• C-section;
• intracranial or spinal injury;
• intrauterine brain damage;
• genetic diseases of the lungs and other internal organs;
• unfavorable environment for the maintenance of the child;
• improper child care.

Normally, a child has a small amount of fluid in the lungs, which is pushed out during natural delivery. With a caesarean section, the organs do not have time to adapt to new living conditions, and the fetal fluid remains in them. This contributes to the development of the so-called fetal (fetal) fluid retention syndrome, which causes the risk of developing respiratory pathology in a child, in particular pneumonia.

In a premature baby, a caesarean section can provoke the development of respiratory distress syndrome, in which there is rapid irregular breathing and an increased risk of developing pneumonia. Such newborns require careful observation, examination and treatment.

Separately, it is necessary to mention aspiration pneumonia. Its cause is often a violation of the feeding regimen of the child, in which milk, formula, water, and vomit can enter the lungs. Especially often this type of pneumonia develops in premature babies due to their predisposition to regurgitation.

causative agents of pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs is caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi that can enter the lungs in two ways:

• hematogenous - in utero through the blood;
• bronchogenic - through the lungs.

1. The most common causes of the disease are the following bacteria:
   • streptococcus;
     

     Group B streptococcus is the most common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality from meningitis, sepsis, and streptococcal pneumonia in developed countries.

   • staphylococcus;
   • Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
   • listeria;
   • gram-negative rods of the family of intestinal bacteria;
   • Klebsiella (Friedlander's stick) and other microorganisms.
2. Viral inflammation of the lungs can be caused by different types of herpes virus, in particular cytomegalavirus, as well as influenza virus, adenovirus and others.
3. Fungal pneumonia is more common in children who have been on mechanical ventilation for a long time, especially premature babies. The causative agents of the disease can be fungi of the genus Candida, less often - Aspergillus, pneumocystis (the average between protozoa and fungi).
   

   Pneumocystis pneumonia, or pneumocystosis, occurs predominantly in premature babies. Infection with this microorganism can occur through contact with a carrier at home or in the hospital. A characteristic feature of this type of disease is the absence of wheezing in the lungs, so the diagnosis is made on the basis of an x-ray.

Pneumonia of newborns in 65–80% of cases is of a mixed nature, for example, when a bacterial infection joins a viral or fungal inflammation of the lungs.

1. Intrauterine pneumonia is more often caused by group B streptococci and gram-negative bacteria - Escherichia coli and Klebsiella (Fridlander's stick), less often - staphylococcus aureus and listeria. It is possible to develop the disease due to infection with cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus and fungi of the genus Candida.
2. The most common causative agents of acquired pneumonia are viruses (respiratory syncytial, parainfluenza and others), gram-negative intestinal microflora, staphylococci. Less commonly, community-acquired pneumonia is caused by moraxella (a representative of the normal microflora of the upper respiratory tract) and whooping cough. Pneumococci and influenza or Pfeiffer's bacillus are rarely isolated from newborns.

Symptoms and features of different types of disease

Symptoms and features of the disease depend on whether the child was born full-term or not, as well as on the type of pneumonia.

Intrauterine pneumonia appears immediately after the birth of a child.

Symptoms of intrauterine pneumonia

1. If the disease developed in the womb, then its symptoms are visible immediately after the birth of the child:
   • reduced muscle tone;
   • lack of swallowing and sucking reflexes;
   • impaired circulation;
   • swelling of the legs (sometimes);
   • a large loss of body weight of the child - 15–30%, as well as its slow recovery.
2. Infection during childbirth occurs 1–2 days after birth. At the same time, the symptoms of the disease of intrapartum pneumonia differ from the symptoms of other types of intrauterine pneumonia.

Features of symptoms depending on the method of infection - table

Acquired pneumonia symptoms

Acquired pneumonia with its symptoms resembles SARS. The following signs are noted:

• respiratory disorders;
• runny nose;
• child's anxiety
• lethargy;
• sleep disturbance, feeding regimen;
• increase in body temperature.

Symptoms and course of the disease depend on the pathogen:

1. Inflammation of the lungs caused by respiratory syncytial infection is characterized by difficulty in breathing.
2. When infected with adenovirus, severe wheezing, conjunctivitis, runny nose, and wet cough occur.
3. The flu affects the nervous system.
4. With herpetic infection, bleeding, acute renal and hepatic insufficiency, expressed in an increase in the liver and general intoxication of the body, are observed.
5. When infected with staphylococcus, abscesses (abscesses) of the lungs, pustular lesions of the skin, umbilical wound, osteomyelitis occur.
6. With the defeat of Klebsiella, enteritis, meningitis, pyelonephritis is noted.

Diagnostics

X-ray is essential for diagnosing pneumonia.

In order to diagnose pneumonia in a newborn, the doctor performs the following activities:

1. Collection of anamnesis and analysis of symptoms (through a survey of parents).
2. General examination, during which the specialist reveals:
   • pallor and cyanosis of the skin;
   • hard breathing - inhalation is equal in duration to exhalation, wheezing, etc.
3. Laboratory research:
   • a general blood and urine test, as well as a biochemical blood test;
   • cultures of mucus and sputum from the throat (to determine the pathogen).
4. Instrumental research:
   • chest x-ray (X-ray);
   • echocardiography;
   • CT (computed tomography).

Dr. Komarovsky on methods for diagnosing pneumonia - video

Treatment and its timing

Treatment of pneumonia in newborns is carried out only in a hospital. It includes a number of measures:

An important task of the mother during the period of illness of the child is to maintain breastfeeding. Breast milk strengthens the immune system and contains all the necessary substances that contribute to the recovery of the baby.

Duration and prognosis of treatment

The duration of treatment and the prognosis for recovery depend on the causative agent of the disease, the severity of the baby's condition and concomitant diseases. In most cases, pneumonia is easily treatable. With proper and timely medical care, improvement is observed at 2-3 weeks of illness. It is characterized by a decrease in signs of respiratory failure, restoration of appetite, and normalization of the nervous system.

Inflammation of the lungs caused by pneumocystis takes longer to heal. Its incubation period is from 8 days to 1 month. The total duration of the disease is 7-8 weeks, while in premature babies, only the acute period lasts 4-6 weeks.

But in some cases, the disease can cause dangerous complications and consequences.

Dangerous complications and consequences for newborns

The level of modern medicine is so high that it allows saving babies who have been diagnosed with intrauterine or acquired pneumonia. However, the consequences of the disease are sometimes very serious. They are divided into:

Complications of pneumonia in newborns affect the whole organism as a whole and each organ and system separately.

Children who have had pneumonia have a much higher predisposition to bronchopulmonary diseases. Adhesions and scars called alectases may remain on lung or bronchial tissue. Speaking about the consequences for the health of the baby, it is necessary to mention the increased risk of developing anemia and rickets in premature babies who have had early pneumonia.

Disease prevention before and after childbirth

Measures to prevent pneumonia in a child must be taken both before the birth of the baby and after. A pregnant woman should take care of her health, namely:

• regularly visit the clinic and take all the necessary tests;
• eat right and balanced;
• to refuse from bad habits;
• lead a healthy lifestyle;
• prevent ARVI, influenza and other infections during pregnancy.

During childbirth, all measures must be taken to avoid fetal asphyxia. After the birth of the baby, it is necessary to organize proper care for him, to prevent hypothermia, contact with sick relatives. Breastfeeding plays an important role in the prevention of pneumonia and other diseases. It enhances the child's immunity and increases resistance to disease.

Although pneumonia in newborns is a very serious and dangerous disease, the level of modern medicine allows us to hope for a positive outcome and a full recovery. Care for the health of the child should not begin after birth, but from the moment of conception.

Every pregnant woman worries about the upcoming birth and the health of her baby. And these worries are fully justified - at present, many babies are born with various diseases. According to statistics, about 10-15% of premature babies suffer from congenital pneumonia from birth. Congenital pneumonia in newborns is an inflammation of the lung tissue in children that occurs in the first month of life.

There are many reasons for the occurrence of this disease. Sometimes pneumonia can be caused by several triggers. In this case, the disease poses a serious threat to the life of the newborn.

Most often, the disease is caused by pathogenic bacteria (pneumococcus, staphylococcus and streptococcus). Viruses, fungi, and protozoa can also cause pneumonia.

The question itself arises: how will pathogens enter the child's body if the amniotic sac and fetal fluids reliably protect it from external influences.

There are two ways to infect a child:

1. Bronchogenic - amniotic fluid containing pathogenic microorganisms enters the body through the baby's lungs during childbirth.

The main causes of infection are:

• Features in the structure of the respiratory system of the newborn;
• Underdevelopment of neurons located in the central nervous system, especially in premature babies;
• Early discharge of amniotic fluid.

1. Hematogenous. In this case, infection occurs through the blood from mother to child. Infection through the umbilical vein is much less common than bronchogenic.

In such cases, the mother herself feels bad and, accordingly, turns to the doctor for help. The doctor will prescribe drugs that will ease the condition of the future mother and baby.

Symptoms of congenital pneumonia

Without any symptoms, this disease cannot proceed. There are many manifestations of this disease. However, you should pay attention to the fact that the first symptoms may appear at different times, depending on when the infection occurred - in the womb or during childbirth.

1. Choking is a fairly common occurrence, occurring in about one in four newborns. However, with congenital pneumonia, suffocation occurs in almost everyone. In this case, resuscitators are forced to carry out special resuscitation actions.
2. The cry of a healthy baby is loud. Children with pneumonia scream weakly, or there is no sound at all. Breathing is also weak, irregular, shallow. Wet rales are heard in the lungs, breathing is hard.
3. Decreased body temperature. All newborn babies are subject to fluctuations in body temperature. However, in children with pneumonia, the temperature can rise to 40, and in premature babies it can drop to 35 or even lower. High and low temperatures are a threat to the life of the newborn.
4. Decreased innate reflexes. Inflammation of the lungs adversely affects the well-being of even an adult, not to mention newborns. Such a child is very lethargic. Congenital sucking and respiratory reflexes are reduced or absent altogether. In this case, it is necessary to apply artificial ventilation of the lungs and feeding through a tube.
5. The digestion process is disturbed and, as a result, body weight decreases. The newborn often burps and suffers from bouts of vomiting. Because of this, body weight is reduced to a critical figure.
6. Disrupted work of the cardiovascular system. All internal organs are dependent on each other. Improper functioning of the lungs leads to a violation of the cardiovascular system. The skin becomes pale, and in severe cases even cyanotic. Often there is swelling of the legs and heart rhythm disturbances. After recovery, the heart rate is restored.

If infection occurred during childbirth, the signs of the disease will be different. And they do not appear immediately, but after 2-3 days. These symptoms include:

1. Skin color changes. Mom and doctors note that the mucous membranes and skin become gray at the beginning of the disease, pale as it progresses and then generally with a blue tint. Cyanosis is clearly manifested - blue skin of the nasolabial triangle.
2. CNS disorders. In newborns, this is most often manifested by strong excitement or, conversely, lethargy. It is lethargy that happens much more often.
3. Appetite disturbance. Appetite disappears 2-3 days after birth. When feeding, regurgitation and vomiting appear, sometimes even with diarrhea. Inexperienced doctors may mistake these symptoms for an intestinal infection and treat it specifically. Treatment of pneumonia is delayed until the moment when obvious symptoms appear.
4. Breathing changes. As the disease progresses, breathing becomes difficult. If the baby is full-term, then breathing will be frequent, hoarse, with groans. And if the baby was born prematurely, then the respiratory rate, on the contrary, will decrease. This situation requires constant monitoring - breathing can stop at any time.
5. An increase in body temperature - appears last, sometimes to very high values.

The most important thing is to correctly diagnose the disease, prescribe treatment.

Treatment of congenital pneumonia

Treatment is carried out only in a hospital, because the child must be under the constant supervision and control of doctors. If complications occur, such as respiratory and cardiac arrest, medical attention should be provided immediately.

Medications play a major role in the treatment of pneumonia. Doctors can be appointed:

• diuretics - for the treatment of edema;
• antibiotics are mandatory. These drugs are prescribed strictly individually, depending on the course of the disease and the pathogen that caused it. If the causative agent of pneumonia is not determined, then an antibiotic with a wide spectrum of action is prescribed;
• vitamins and immunomodulators are prescribed to enhance the functioning of the immune system;
• lacto- and bifidobacteria are necessary for the treatment of dysbacteriosis that occurs after a course of antibiotics;
• local stimulating reflexology (mustard plasters, massage) is prescribed only by a doctor. At high temperatures, these procedures are prohibited;
• alkaline inhalation - used only for full-term babies. Perhaps the child does not want to lie quietly, but the result is worth it.

In many ways, successful treatment depends on mother's actions. There are rules for caring for a child with pneumonia:

1. Feeding. Due to weakness, the baby cannot suckle effectively, fatigue quickly sets in. Therefore, the mother should offer the breast more often, and not stick to feeding on time.
2. Swaddling. Young mothers increasingly prefer rompers and blouses to classic swaddling. In a situation with a child with pneumonia, this will be the best solution, since tightly tied diapers tighten the chest and interfere with the already heavy breathing.
3. Change of position. In order to avoid stagnation in the lungs, you need to turn the baby from side to side 1-2 times per hour.

After undergoing treatment for the next two years, the child should be observed by a pulmonologist. After all, the most common cold can again turn into pneumonia.

Consequences of congenital pneumonia

The body and immune system of each newborn is unique. Someone will quickly cope with the disease with minimal medical assistance, while someone will need a long recovery process, which does not exclude the development of complications. Most often these are:

• intestinal toxicosis is characterized by agitation, anxiety, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia. This excited state turns into apathy, up to loss of consciousness. Body temperature drops to 34 degrees, the child begins to lose weight. It is necessary to drink plenty of fluids to avoid drying out of the mucous membranes;
• even after complete recovery, adhesions may remain on the tissue of the lungs and bronchi, and even scars in places with severe inflammation;
• neurotoxicosis. As a result of exposure to pathogenic microflora and toxins on the brain, disturbances in blood circulation, neurological sphere, and thermoregulation may occur;
• in some cases, pulmonary insufficiency may develop;
• due to destruction, cavities in the lungs can form.

Prevention of congenital pneumonia

Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. A mother-to-be can reduce the chance of developing pneumonia in a child. For this you need:

• scheduled to take all the tests prescribed by the doctor;
• treat foci of chronic infections;
• do not come into contact with infected people;
• eat more vegetables, fruits and herbs;
• walk in the fresh air daily for at least 2 hours;
• night sleep should be at least 8 hours;
• to refuse from bad habits.

Pneumonia in newborns is a life-threatening disease. You need to be extremely attentive to the appearance of various symptoms in order to diagnose and start medical treatment in time.

Pneumonia itself is a serious disease, and when it comes to young children, the situation can be critical. Congenital pneumonia in newborns is not so rare, and this is due to the fact that during pregnancy the expectant mother suffers an infectious disease. This subsequently affects the child, and the disease progresses in the first three days.

When a baby is born, the symptoms are immediately visible, and asphyxia, which occurs during childbirth, and the fact that the child is premature, join the painful condition.

Infants are a special category of patients, since their defenselessness and vulnerability to severe infection is obvious. The physiological characteristics of the baby contribute to the fact that the risk of getting sick increases significantly. Narrow passages in the bronchi, larynx, do not allow us to say that the baby can fight for life as well as an adult. The mucosa in babies is prone to edema, and removing sputum from the lungs is a rather difficult task. All systems have not yet been launched, they are not able to function fully. The lungs are more filled with blood than in adults, less elastic and therefore vulnerable.

Although inflammation can occur in the baby and outside the hospital, most often, the most severe cases occur with infection in the womb. It can also be the consequences of past diseases, such as SARS, whooping cough, measles.

With congenital pathology, the risk that the disease will be more severe than usual is quite large.

You can determine the symptoms of pneumonia, which was obtained in utero, by the following signs:

• the shade of the skin is bluish, the manifestations are most pronounced in the area of ​​​​the lips, on the tongue, the legs and arms may be bluish;
• the cry at birth is very weak, or not heard at all, since inflammation of the lung tissue does not allow it to be manifested in full force;
• breathing is confused, noise and wheezing are heard;
• the temperature in children born on time is significantly increased, as for non-term ones, it is below 36 degrees;
• the child is lethargic, poorly responsive to stimuli, reflexes are reduced;
• the appearance of edema on the legs is possible;
• the gag reflex is expressed, constant regurgitation is observed, both after eating and between them;
• weight decreases, the umbilical cord falls off an order of magnitude longer than in healthy children, and the wound in the navel area can become inflamed.

Symptoms that signal that infection occurred during childbirth are similar, but there are certain differences:

• high body temperature;
• refusal to eat, regurgitation is constantly observed, and vomiting occurs;
• the lips and the area in the nose become bluish;
• the stool is broken, constant pain in the abdomen, the child is naughty and does not sleep well;
• in full-term babies, breathing is noisy, with wheezing, while not full-term babies breathe weakly and rarely;
• intoxication of the body does its job, and this period is characterized by: weakness, drowsiness, poor reaction.

Types

The incubation period is short in time, and can range from several hours to seven days. Several forms of pneumonia in newborns, intrauterine and acquired, have been identified. Congenital, which are obtained during pregnancy, are divided into:

• transplantation, in which the pathogen enters the baby through the mother's placenta;
• intranatal, when infection occurs during the passage of the child through the birth canal;
• antenatal, in which infection occurs through the amniotic fluid, and affects the lungs.

After birth, the baby also has a high risk of getting sick, as the body is weakened, the immune system is not yet working, or is weak, which leads to infection. They share the infection outside the hospital, when the baby is already infected, and the hospital, if pneumonia occurs during the stay in the maternity hospital. This can happen in the intensive care unit, or in the pathology department. It should be noted that clinical manifestations also have a certain qualification, and they are divided into several types:

1. Focal, in which the focus and the area of ​​​​the lesion are large enough. The disease develops on the rise, within about one week, or a sudden, rapid development within three days, while the course of the disease occurs in a mild form, easily treatable with certain groups of antibiotics;
2. segmental does not manifest itself in any way, only with the help of X-rays it is possible to determine the compaction in the segments of the lungs, and it is usually caused by a viral infection. Can cause both SARS and influenza. There may be similarities with the segmental form, the symptoms are similar in the initial stage, but the general picture, which can be revealed using x-rays, does not appear until 2 weeks later;
3. croupous differs in that its manifestation is affected by the allergic resistance of the child to infection. Against the background of bacterial diseases, this can be extremely rare, since the child's body has not met with such an infection and does not perceive it;
4. the intertitial form is characterized by seals, and is accompanied by an allergic reaction. Rashes and peeling appear on the skin, which may indicate the nature of the disease.

The reasons

Several causes that can cause this severe manifestation of pneumonia are divided into subgroups. The most common bacterial infection. These can be streptococci, anaerobic microorganisms that can exist in an oxygen-free environment, bacteroids that live in the soil. You can also find Listeria there.

Viruses can also be the cause of the disease, of which cytomegavirus and herpes are especially common. Herpes occurs against the background of reduced immunity. If during pregnancy the mother suffered one of the forms of herpes, then there is a high risk that the baby will be born with a pathology. Therefore, it is so important to follow all the rules and recommendations of doctors.

Fungal pathogens are also observed, which, with a weakened immune system, are activated, penetrate into the lower respiratory tract.

Much depends on what chronic diseases the woman suffered from, how she bore the child, in what conditions.

Combined pneumonia in newborns can also be observed, the consequences of which are not always good. It is important that there is an experienced specialist nearby who can determine that the baby is sick and take the necessary measures. It is the diagnosis that is in the foreground, only the speed of decision-making sometimes depends on the life of the baby.

Prevention

First of all, it is worth paying attention to the state of the epidemiological situation in the maternity hospital. It is this factor that is significant. Most often, congenital pneumonia in newborns occurs precisely inside the hospital, which is associated with non-observance of hygiene rules. In recent times, the death rate from pneumonia has been a significant percentage, measures have been taken and certain requirements have been adopted that have helped to avoid many troubles.

At the moment, all conditions have been created in order to localize the infection as soon as possible and avoid death.

The prognosis for the course of the disease depends on many factors, and with the timely detection of the disease, the implementation of operational measures to neutralize the cause of the disease, the success of therapeutic actions is guaranteed.

Breastfeeding is desirable, since through breast milk the child receives all the necessary enzymes, the mother's immune defense, and this prevents the penetration and activation of the virus in the baby's body.

After the birth of a child, it is better not to expose the child to the risk of infection, not to stay in public places, and try to isolate him from potential patients. The body of the baby is so weak that it can accept any infection, and thus be at risk of getting sick.

For a mother, before getting pregnant, it is important to exclude all inflammatory processes in the body, cure all possible diseases, and only then plan a pregnancy.

Treatment

Each child should have an individual approach, since only after a thorough study of the pathology of the mother, determining the presence of her diseases, can effective treatment be prescribed. It is desirable to stay in a hospital, and, at the first signs of illness, a prerequisite for a speedy recovery is the provision of qualified assistance. In this case, one cannot do without antibiotics, but for a small one it is always fraught. But, with a competent approach, everything is fixable, and the life of a child sometimes depends on the doctor, mother, relatives.

Carry out regular monitoring of body temperature and respiratory rate. The skin and mucous membranes must always be in perfect condition. Breastfeeding is shown, good nutrition is the key to successful treatment.

Immunoglobulins and antibiotics are indispensable drugs during treatment, only with their help can the disease be defeated.

Complications

If the therapy was carried out in a timely manner, and adequate drugs were prescribed to help localize the disease, then the prognosis for the treatment of such a disease as congenital pneumonia in newborns is quite favorable. Within a few weeks, everything will return to normal, and the baby will be healthy.

If you start the disease, then there is respiratory failure, toxicosis, refusal to eat, which leads to death.

In premature babies, the risk of getting dysplasia is high, the lung tissue does not function at full strength, there is a repeated exacerbation of diseases associated with the broncho-pulmonary system. This often leads to death.

Not really

Pneumonia is an infectious lung disease caused by several types of viruses and bacteria. The lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid, causing the patient to cough and have difficulty breathing.

How to recognize in the baby?

The disease can proceed quickly and develop in just one or two days, however, in some cases, the infection process is slow and lasts for several days. Often, a layman is not able to distinguish from an ordinary cold.

The very first sign of pneumonia is a cough. Call the local pediatrician at home if the baby or infant:

• often comes on in fits of violent coughing with mucus;
• clearly feels unwell;
• lost his appetite.

Severe cases of pneumonia require adequate treatment in a hospital. Call an ambulance if you find the following symptoms of pneumonia in infants:

• the cough gradually worsens and the mucus becomes yellow, brown, or blood-streaked;
• the child's body temperature rises;
• the child wheezes (or whistles hoarsely when breathing);
• the baby refuses to drink water, and the total amount of fluid consumed over the past day does not exceed half of its norm;
• the child breathes quickly and shallowly, with each breath he draws in the skin between the ribs, above the collarbones or under the chest;
• the child's lips and fingernails turned blue.

Risk factors

There are circumstances that increase the risk of developing certain infectious diseases (which include pneumonia in infants). Symptoms, reviews of childbirth, especially the behavior of the baby during feeding - all this information will allow the doctor to determine whether the child is at risk.

The following groups of children are most susceptible to pneumonia:

• the youngest;
• daily exposed to cigarette smoke;
• left without vaccinations or vaccinated in violation of the schedule;
• with diagnoses affecting the condition of the lungs (asthma, bronchiectasis - bronchial dilatation, cystic fibrosis);
• born prematurely;
• choking and coughing during feeding;
• suffering from chronic diseases (regardless of lesions).

Diagnostics

During a home examination, it is very difficult to diagnose such a serious disease as pneumonia in an infant. Symptoms without fever can be misleading even for doctors, since the first manifestations of pneumonia are in many ways similar to the usual, much more common cold. That is why it is necessary to show a small child to a pediatrician as soon as possible. He will listen to the lungs with a stethoscope and determine if there is fluid in the paired organ. The doctor will also check the heart rate of the baby, listen to the breath, ask the parents what other symptoms of the disease they found.

If the child's condition seems unsatisfactory to the district pediatrician, he will suggest that you go to the hospital to have a chest x-ray. An x-ray will show how infected the lungs are. You can also take a blood or sputum test to determine the causative agent of the infection and its nature (viral or bacterial).

Treatment

Effects

Usually, in such a common disease as pneumonia in infants, the consequences do not pose any danger: most young children are successfully cured, and their former excellent health will return to them very soon. However, in some cases, pneumonia is accompanied by complications that require special therapy and utmost attention to the condition of the baby.

Dangerous consequences of pneumonia in a child

1. Bacteremia (the presence of microbes in the patient's blood). Penetrating from the lungs into the bloodstream, bacteria are able to spread the infection to other internal organs and thereby cause dysfunction of these organs.
2. Lung abscess. An abscess means a collection of pus in the cavity of the lung. This condition is treated with antibiotics. Sometimes surgery or a drain with a long needle or tube placed into the abscess is required to remove the pus.
3. A pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid around the lungs. Pneumonia can cause fluid to build up in the narrow space between the layers of tissue that line the lung and chest cavity (pleura). If bacteria get into this fluid, it will most likely need to be pumped out with a drain or removed with surgery.
4. Labored breathing. In severe pneumonia, breathing problems occur and the sick child is unable to breathe in enough oxygen. In this case, treatment in a hospital is necessary, where a small patient will be connected to special equipment that allows minimizing the most terrible symptoms of pneumonia in infants.

Prevention

To provide a small child with all the conditions for a healthy life and minimize the risk of pneumonia, take the following preventive measures in time:

1. Do not refuse the vaccine ("Prevenar 13") will protect the baby from pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis (blood poisoning). In order not to look for symptoms of pneumonia in a baby with a common cold, it is also useful to get vaccinated against type b, diphtheria and whooping cough. The last two vaccines are part of the DTP.
2. Do not forget about the rules of personal hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing, and wash your and your baby's hands frequently to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses that cause infections.
3. Make every effort to minimize the negative effects of cigarette smoke on the health of your baby. If you or your partner smoke, consider quitting the habit. Babies living with parents who smoke are much more likely to get sick and are more prone to ailments such as pneumonia, colds, asthma and ear infections.

If you are attentive to your baby, then you can not only suspect the disease in the early stages, but also prevent it altogether.