Types and characteristics of pneumonia in newborns. Pneumonia in a newborn child: bilateral, severe, infectious Pneumonia in newborns causes, prognosis, treatment

Pneumonia in newborns occurs when infected with pathogenic bacteria in utero or during childbirth. Just a few decades ago, this condition caused high mortality among children, but pharmaceutical industry created effective medicines. Modern drugs against pneumonia are capable of destroying most pathogens of congenital pneumonia within a short period of time.

Congenital pneumonia is diagnosed in 10-15% of children. Very often the disease is observed in premature infants and with fetal malnutrition.

The prognosis for a child's life depends on the correct therapeutic tactics and timely detection of pathology. The problem is relevant enough to leave its causes unattended, so we invite readers to read the article to the end.

The causes of disease in premature infants can be divided into the following categories:

• Transplacental - when the pathogen penetrates the mother’s placenta if she has bacterial or viral infections;
• Antenatal – bacteria infect Airways fetus by penetration from amniotic fluid;
• Intranatal - microorganisms enter the lungs when the child passes through the birth canal or from the environment when a pregnant woman undergoes a Caesarean section;
• Postnatal – infection in maternity ward or at home.

Pneumonia in newborns is caused by a special spectrum of microorganisms, which requires the prescription of a special group of antibiotics in the treatment of the disease. For viral infections, the prognosis for the course of the disease in newborns depends on the state of the baby’s immune system and has specific features, which we will consider below.

Risk of illness after caesarean section

After Caesarean section, congenital pneumonia occurs when infected with the following microorganisms:

• Herpes viruses, rubella, toxoplasmosis, listeriosis;
• Bacterial pathogens: mycoplasmas, streptococci, chlamydia;
• Fungi of the genus Candida.

With a long course, congenital pneumonia is caused by a combination of flora, which is difficult to treat, which in ancient times led to high mortality in newborns.

Inflammation of the lung tissue that occurs after a Caesarean section in the mother is caused by streptococcus. The pathogen becomes the cause of purulent foci and sepsis (bacterial blood infection) when it multiplies rapidly, even against the background of antibiotics.

Home types of pneumonia in premature infants occur against the background of respiratory infections, adenoviral lesions, and streptococcal infections.

When a child is born healthy, this does not mean that he or she has a strong immune system. Some bacteria are antagonists to other pathogens of respiratory tract diseases. Thus, Proteus is able to destroy gram-negative bacteria.

In premature babies, there is underdevelopment of the protective factors of the alveolar tissue: surfactant defects are visible, there are no alveolar macrophages (cells that destroy microbes in the alveoli), the bronchial wall is weak. Against the background of such changes, it is difficult to assume that an encounter with infectious agents will not cause inflammatory reactions. The only salvation is the struggle of some representatives of the microbial world with others.

With bacterial contamination of the respiratory tract with Proteus, pneumonia caused by gram-negative bacilli cannot be traced for several months. Proteus is a pathogenic bacterium and can independently cause pneumonia in infants.

Interaction in the microbial world – complex mechanism, which has not been reliably studied by humans. It is obvious that the widespread use of antibiotics is not rational. The peculiarities of prescribing these drugs require control of the dosage and course of therapy. Due to a violation of the treatment regimen for infections with antibacterial agents, many bacteria have developed resistance, which complicates the process of their therapy.

What forms a negative forecast

A negative prognosis for pneumonia in newborns is formed by the following symptoms:

• Brain hypoxia with slowdown motor function and mental activity;
• Violation of the depth of respiratory movements and disorders of its rhythm;
• Irregularity of heart contractions;
• Increased respiratory acts (Cheyne-Stokes);
• Accumulation of toxins in the blood and the appearance of secondary changes in other organs.

If at least one of the above symptoms appears, the child is placed in the intensive care unit, as artificial ventilation may be required.

Pneumonia in premature babies has its own characteristics, unlike infants and infants under 1 year of age:

1. Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and toxic reactions. When large amounts of carbon dioxide accumulate, swelling of the periorbital tissues appears. Over time, hypercapnia leads to depression of the central nervous system, the appearance of Cheyne-Stokes breathing;
2. Increased temperature reaction and pulmonary complications - pneumothorax, atelectasis, pleurisy;
3. Extrapulmonary complications - intestinal paresis, ear inflammation, blood clots, adrenal insufficiency;
4. In premature infants, aspiration pneumonia often occurs, as they are prone to regurgitation;
5. A typical picture of the formation of pathological changes in lung tissue: disseminated blood coagulation syndrome, sepsis;
6. Unstable clinical condition of patients with fluctuations in laboratory and clinical tests.

The above-described signs of pneumonia in newborns depend on the cause of the pathology. If the inflammation is caused by pneumococcus, there is a high probability of complications or death. With this form, inflammatory foci quickly penetrate from one lung to another.

Congenital pneumonia in newborns is a dangerous condition. If the doctor does not prescribe antibacterial drugs, the child will quickly develop the following symptoms:

• Respiratory failure;
• Accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood;
• Damage to brain tissue;
• Imbalance of water-salt metabolism;
• Heart overload;
• Increased heart rate.

The list of changes that pneumonia causes in premature newborns is endless. The final stage of the pathology is death (without adequate treatment).

Pneumonia at birth in full-term infants is benign. Its duration is 1-2 weeks, and then the patient’s condition gradually improves. Signs of respiratory failure rarely require relief with artificial ventilation.

In a full-term baby, the acute period of inflammatory changes in the lungs lasts 5-7 days. After the use of antibiotics, resorption of infiltrative foci in the alveolar acini is observed, which provides a favorable prognosis.

Segmental pneumonia at birth in premature babies is, at best, cured after 4 weeks. Due to this course of the disease, it is obvious that the fetus should be preserved in utero until the time of physiological labor, but this is not always possible.

Morphological symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonia in premature newborns can be divided into the following morphological types:

1. Transplacental – consequences of widespread bacterial infection. Clinical symptoms diseases arise due to generalized infection. Children with the pathology are born with asphyxia, cyanosis, and respiratory failure;
2. The intrapartum type of pneumonia manifests itself in 2 variants. The disease may occur due to intracranial birth injury leading to breathing problems. The second option is accompanied by the presence of “ light gap" The child is born healthy, but after a few days he develops bouts of cyanosis, frequent regurgitation, and nervous agitation. Diarrhea and foam at the mouth may occur;
3. Early neonatal – observed in the first days after birth. This type can be determined by the following signs: breathing problems, lethargy, cyanosis skin;
4. Late neonatal - begins with manifestations of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract: fever, anxiety, rhinitis, regurgitation. Over time, other symptoms of inflammation of the pulmonary parenchyma appear: fever, cough, vomiting.

In premature babies, any of the above forms rapidly progresses and can cause death, so it is necessary to identify and treat the pathology in the early stages.

Bilateral pneumonia in premature infants has a dangerously high probability of death. Serious consequences also arise against the background primary immunodeficiency, severe malnutrition and prematurity.

The risk of respiratory failure increases with the presence of infiltrative fluid, foreign bodies, and liquid sputum in the lungs (against the background of cystic fibrosis). To empty purulent foci when antibiotics are ineffective, open sanitation of the formations is necessary operative method. Surgical intervention It is very difficult for premature babies to tolerate, but it is a necessary measure to save the life of the child.

With bilateral pneumonia in premature infants, the following complications are often observed:

• Pneumocystis;
• Chlamydia;
• Cardiac dysfunction;
• Changes in acid-base balance;
• Decreased hemoglobin and serum iron levels;
• Increased blood acidity.

The consequences of the disease in premature babies are too serious. Only with early detection of signs of infiltrative changes in the pulmonary parenchyma and the absence of provoking factors can a complete cure of the pathology be guaranteed.

Treatment time for infants

Congenital pneumonia is treated as long as pathogenetic symptoms of the disease exist. The acute period of the disease lasts about 2 weeks, after which the symptoms of respiratory failure decrease. When the condition of premature babies improves, their appetite increases and the central nervous system is restored. The resolution stage lasts 1-2 weeks.

Statistics on the incidence of congenital pneumonia indicate that the disease most often develops in women with a burdened history of infection during pregnancy. In premature babies and in children with aspiration, pneumonia occurs one and a half times more often than in children born at term.

Causes of congenital pneumonia in a newborn

Congenital pneumonia in a child is called such because infection and inflammation occurs precisely during pregnancy or childbirth, and external factors play a minor role in this disease. The cause of such pneumonia is an infectious pathogen that is present in a woman’s body and can be activated during pregnancy, or the pathogen is activated during childbirth. Therefore, according to the time of development, all congenital pneumonias can be divided into antenatal (those that develop in utero until the time of birth) and intranatal (develop during childbirth). In each case, the cause may be a different microorganism or virus, which is important for correct diagnosis and treatment.

The causes of antenatal pneumonia are often viruses, since it is during this period that the child is vulnerable to their effects. For the development of an infectious process in the lungs, it is necessary that the virus begins to act in the last trimester, and if earlier, this can cause birth defects. The most common causes of congenital pneumonia in utero include the TORCH group. These include toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes virus, as well as some others. Each such pathogen has its own structural and developmental characteristics, and, accordingly, treatment.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which is a protozoan microorganism. The pathogen is transmitted through cats, which are its carriers, or through poorly cooked meat. Infection can occur during pregnancy in the last stages, and then it will cause pneumonia in the child. If infection occurs before pregnancy, then the woman may not be aware of the presence of such an antigen in her body, since the clinical picture is nonspecific.

Rubella is an acute viral disease that is transmitted by airborne droplets and poses a potential threat to the fetus in the early stages due to the development of congenital defects. The virus can provoke the development of pneumonia in a child if the mother becomes infected just before giving birth.

Cytomegalovirus infection is a disease that can be transmitted by airborne droplets, sexual contact and contact. More than 60% of people are affected by this virus, but not everyone develops the disease. When a pregnant woman is infected, the virus can penetrate the placenta and induce the development of an inflammatory process in many organs - lungs, liver, brain.

Herpes is a virus that has a tropism for the nervous system, but it can also cause pneumonia with the same frequency. There are two main types: labial herpes, which is transmitted by airborne droplets and contact, and genital herpes, which is sexually transmitted. The first virus is important in the development of antenatal pneumonia, and the second - intrapartum, since infection occurs through contact with the affected genital organs.

Infections from the TORCH group are dangerous in terms of pneumonia when infected precisely in the last stages or just before childbirth. As for other reasons, they can also be an etiological factor.

Congenital pneumonia can also be caused by bacteria - chlamydia, mycoplasma, listeria, ureaplasma, candida, trichomonas. Their role in the development of congenital pneumonia in a child is important already at the stage of infection before or during childbirth. Ureaplasma and Trichomonas are sexually transmitted infections that can rarely cause pneumonia in an absolutely healthy child. Such infections, including candida, infect the already sensitive body of a premature baby or a child with immunodeficiency. Chlamydia and mycoplasma are intracellular microorganisms that play a primary role in the development of congenital pneumonia of bacterial etiology. They can cause respiratory tract infection in a child already at birth or in the first hours thereafter, if appropriate conditions are present.

Summarizing the above reasons for the development of congenital pneumonia, we can say that viruses can be the most common cause of this, but at the same time bacteria also play a role in the development of inflammation. The pathogenesis of pneumonia in a newborn is not so dependent on etiological factor. Any pathogen for the development of an infectious process first enters through the feto-placental barrier. Whether it is a virus or a bacterium, it has an affinity for the lung tissue and enters the lungs through the bloodstream. The peculiarities of the lung tissue of a newborn are such that the alveoli are not opened and can become a substrate for the development of infection. Inflammation occurs there, which is already revealed by symptoms at birth due to insufficient lung function, because it is after birth that the lungs must work at full strength. Therefore, the inflammatory process is further activated with the first breath and symptoms appear.

Risk factors

There are children who have a higher risk of developing congenital pneumonia than others. Risk factors include:

1. pathologies of pregnancy and maternal illness lead to disruption of the formation of the normal protective barrier - the placenta;
2. infectious diseases of the mother, especially from the TORCH group, increase the risk of infection through the placenta and the development of an infectious lesion;
3. Prematurity increases the risk of infection due to weakness immune defense;
4. birth conditions and external interventions increase the risk of infection.

Symptoms of congenital pneumonia in a newborn

Congenital pneumonia is characterized by the fact that symptoms begin to appear immediately after birth or in the early postpartum period. If the clinical picture develops within 72 hours from the moment of birth, then this also refers to the concept of congenital pneumonia, but here the intranatal route of infection already plays a role. If pneumonia is caused by intrauterine infection with a certain virus, then often along with symptoms from respiratory system There are also manifestations from other systems. This must be taken into account when diagnosing congenital pneumonia, since the approaches to treating pneumonia of viral and bacterial etiology are slightly different.

The first signs of the disease appear immediately after birth. The general condition of the child may be severe due to severe respiratory disorders. The child is born with a cyanotic or pale gray complexion; there may be a petechial rash due to intoxication. The child has a weak cry and depressed innate reflexes against the background of hypoxia of the central nervous system during infectious lesion. Therefore, the child's Apgar score may be low, preventing immediate skin-to-skin contact. Sometimes babies with congenital pneumonia require resuscitation measures immediately after birth, and sometimes the degree of respiratory impairment is not so pronounced. Manifestations of pneumonia are respiratory disorders which are clinically determined by shortness of breath. Shortness of breath, depending on the severity, is characterized by retraction of the intercostal spaces and areas above and below the collarbones, retraction of the sternum during breathing. Against the background of respiratory failure, tachypne and rapid heartbeat are determined. All this indicates a clear pathology of the respiratory system and requires immediate further verification.

If pneumonia is caused by a virus from the TORCH group, then there may be other symptoms of a generalized infection. For example, cytomegalovirus has an affinity for the child’s brain and liver, therefore, when affecting the fetus, this infection causes severe brain damage in the form of ischemic lesions and cysts, as well as liver enlargement and severe jaundice with bilirubin encephalopathy. Therefore, pneumonia against the background of these symptoms may be a specific manifestation of this virus.

Congenital pneumonia, caused by the rubella virus, can manifest itself as a characteristic rash on the child’s body with symptoms from the respiratory system.

Bacterial pneumonia has peculiarities of its course, since the inflammatory process is purulent in nature. More often they develop during the first two days, when the baby’s condition sharply worsens. Against the background of severe shortness of breath, symptoms of intoxication appear - the child’s body temperature rises, or if it is a premature baby, hypothermia most likely develops. The newborn refuses the breast, loses weight and becomes restless. All this, together with respiratory symptoms, should suggest pneumonia.

Complications and consequences

Complications of congenital pneumonia depend on the type of pathogen and can be immediate or delayed. If the pathogen quickly causes destruction of lung tissue, complications such as the spread of infection are possible. Such a common infection when the lungs are affected can quickly cause the pathogen to enter the bloodstream and develop bacteremia. Sepsis for this small child threatens death. Other systemic complications may include hemorrhagic syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, hemodynamic disorders, persistence of fetal communications and, against this background, acute cardiovascular failure.

Pulmonary complications may include the development of pleurisy, atelectasis, and pneumothorax.

The consequences of pneumonia can be more serious if the lesions are systemic. If pneumonia is viral, then there may be damage to other organs and systemic manifestations - congenital defects, chronic forms of infections and intellectual impairment.

Diagnosis of congenital pneumonia in a newborn

Diagnosis of congenital pneumonia is always complicated by the fact that there can be many variants of insufficiency of the respiratory system and it is necessary to differentiate these conditions. If the diagnosis of congenital pneumonia is confirmed, it is important to diagnose the type of pathogen, since treatment tactics are different. Therefore, diagnosis must begin with the mother’s anamnestic data on the course of pregnancy and childbirth. It is very important to find out whether the mother has infections and whether a study was conducted on the TORCH group, because these are the most serious pathogens.

A feature of congenital pneumonia, mainly in a premature baby, is an unclear objective picture. Auscultation data, as a rule, do not give a clear picture of pneumonia, since a bilateral process can equally indicate pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome. Therefore, the main diagnostic methods can be considered additional laboratory and instrumental methods research.

Tests in a newborn have their own characteristics due to physiological reasons - the number of blood cells increases to ensure normal cellular respiration, and on the fifth day a physiological leukocyte crossover occurs. Therefore, changes in laboratory data that may indicate pneumonia are not as specific as in older children. But the benefit of pneumonia may be indicated by an increase in the number of leukocytes in dynamics and the absence leukocyte crossover on the fifth day of the child's life. This indicates a bacterial infection, and one can rule out a viral etiology of pneumonia or think about an association of viruses and bacteria.

Sometimes, while treating pneumonia in a child, it is not possible to achieve results, then the mother is examined to determine the specific pathogen. After all, the mother in this case is the main source of infection for the child, while the child has not yet formed antibodies and they cannot be determined. For this purpose they carry out serological test mother's blood with determination of antibodies to certain infections. The level of antibodies of the immunoglobulin class G and M is determined. In this case, special reagents are used that make it possible to determine the level of these antibodies to a special infection. If there is an increase in the level of immunoglobulin G, then this virus cannot be involved in the development of pneumonia in a child, since it only indicates an old infection. But if immunoglobulins M are detected, then this indicates an acute infection, that is, there is a high probability that the fetus is also infected. Among the special tests, if sexually transmitted infections are suspected, a vaginal smear is also examined. This is necessary when bacterial pneumonia, when it is possible to accurately determine the pathogen and its sensitivity to antibacterial agents.

Instrumental diagnostics make it possible to accurately establish the diagnosis of lung damage and clarify the localization of the process. X-ray signs of congenital pneumonia in a newborn are deflation of the lungs and increased vascular pattern on the initial stages diseases, and then inflammatory-infiltrative changes of a confluent nature appear. But if the child is premature, then an x-ray does not allow an accurate diagnosis between pneumonia and hyaline membrane disease, since the changes are identical in both pathologies. Therefore, there is a need for additional treatment measures.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis of congenital pneumonia should be carried out with hyaline membrane disease, primarily in premature infants, as well as with aspiration syndrome, congenital lung malformations, diaphragmatic hernia, heart pathology and central nervous system injuries, which are accompanied by respiratory failure. Hyaline membrane disease is a pathology of premature babies that develops against the background of insufficient surfactant in the lungs. The pathology is characterized by similar changes in radiography in the form of “cotton” lungs, so such children need the administration of exogenous surfactant.

Congenital defects of the respiratory system can also manifest as respiratory disorders, so they need to be excluded. As for congenital heart defects, the clinical manifestations appear at a later time, and ultrasound of the heart allows accurate differentiation. Some “critical” heart defects may manifest themselves in the first hours, in which case there will be an appropriate history to identify the defect in utero.

Treatment of congenital pneumonia in a newborn

Treatment of congenital pneumonia should begin immediately after diagnosis. The approach to treatment is complex, taking into account many links in the pathogenesis and conditions for caring for the child. Therefore, you need to start treatment with a regimen.

The most appropriate mode for a newborn with pneumonia is the incubation mode, since the correct temperature mode can be used. The average temperature in the incubator for babies is 32-34 degrees, and the air humidity is 80-90% in the first days. It is very important to provide oxygen support, which can also be done directly into the incubator.

Feeding a child with congenital pneumonia should continue with breast milk, total caloric intake should be limited but with an increase in the frequency of feedings. Oxygen support is required for the child, since metabolic disorders have a very bad effect on the cardiovascular system. If the child is in an incubator, free oxygen may be supplied or through a mask. If the child is weak or premature and correction of the act of breathing itself is necessary, then special oxygen supply devices with constant positive pressure in the respiratory tract or mechanical ventilation are connected if necessary.

Only after such measures can we talk about other drug therapy.

If the causative agent of pneumonia is precisely identified, then treatment should be as specific as possible. Of course, if the causative agent is of viral etiology, then antibacterial therapy is used together with antiviral therapy. If congenital pneumonia is caused by cytomegalovirus with systemic damage to organs and systems, then therapy is carried out by special means from the group of interferons.

1. Viferon is an antiviral drug that contains recombinant human interferon, is active against most viruses from the herpes group. It acts on cytomegalovirus, hepatitis virus, as well as some bacterial infections through immunomodulatory effects. The drug is available in the form of ointment, gel, and suppositories. For the treatment of newborns it is recommended in the form of rectal suppositories. The dosage of the drug is 500,000 IU twice a day, and then according to a special regimen with monitoring of the child’s blood tests for specific antibodies in the future. Side effects possible: thrombocytopenia, itching at the injection site, redness, and allergies. Precautionary measures - not recommended for use in children with severe congenital immunodeficiencies.
2. If toxoplasma is confirmed as a manifestation of pneumonia and generalized infection, specific treatment is carried out.

Spiramycin is an antibiotic from the macrolide group, which is the drug of choice for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. It has the highest activity against Toxoplasma, inhibiting the synthesis of its wall proteins, but does not have a teratogenic effect. The dosage of the drug is 6-9 million IU per day. Side effects of spiramycin are paresthesia, skin sensitivity disorders, numbness of the arms and legs, tremors, impaired bile outflow, as well as protracted jaundice in a child.

1. Antibiotics for pneumonia in newborns are considered the main and mandatory means of treatment. In this case, treatment is carried out with two drugs, the methods of application of which are only parenteral (intramuscular and intravenous). Treatment is carried out in stages: for the first course, a b-lactam antibiotic (semi-synthetic penicillin or 2nd generation cephalosporin) is prescribed in combination with aminoglycosides. If this combination of drugs is ineffective, second-course drugs are prescribed - cephalosporins 3-4 with amikacin or vancomycin.

Netromycin– an antibiotic of the aminoglycoside group, the active substance of which is netilmicin. The drug is effective against staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli and some other bacteria that play a significant role in lung damage in utero. In the treatment of pneumonia in newborns, a dosage of 15 mg/kg/day in 2 doses is used. Side effects - sleep disturbance, drowsiness or lethargy, damage to the renal parenchyma, stool disorders. Precautions - do not use if you have kidney damage.

Cefpir– antibacterial agent of the 4th generation of the cephalosporin group. The drug has a bactericidal effect on many extracellular opportunistic microorganisms. In the treatment of pneumonia this drug used intravenously or intramuscularly. The dosage of the drug is from 50 to 100 milligrams per kilogram of weight per day. The drug does not have a pronounced effect on the organs of a newborn, so it can be used for treatment. Side effects are possible in the form of diarrhea in the baby or disruption of the formation of intestinal biocenosis, so treatment is carried out together with probiotic preparations.

1. Probiotics are necessarily used in such children to correct disturbances in the bacterial composition of the intestines.

Acidolac- a drug that contains lactobacilli, which form lactic acid and do not allow pathogenic bacteria to multiply. Thanks to this, the drug forms favorable conditions for development beneficial microflora intestines. Lactobacillus reuteri, which is part of the medicine, is completely resistant to antibiotics, and therefore can be used in the complex treatment of just such pathologies. The dosage sufficient to restore microflora and normalize the function of intestinal motility in children is half a sachet per day in two doses. The powder can be dissolved in milk and given to the baby before feeding. Side effects are diarrhea, stool discoloration, and rumbling in the intestines.

Vitamins and physiotherapeutic treatment for pneumonia in a newborn are not used in acute period. A mother can take vitamin supplements while breastfeeding her baby, even after he has recovered from courses, which will improve the prognosis for the baby.

Traditional treatment of congenital pneumonia

Treatment with folk remedies can only be used by the mother, and prescribing any herbs or infusions to the child is contraindicated. If the mother is diagnosed with any infection, then folk remedies can be used in combination with medications.

1. It is shown to be highly effective in treating infections that are chronic in the mother and can cause illness in the child. healing herbs. To prepare medicinal tea, you need to take 25 grams of mint, 50 grams of licorice and the same amount of wild rosemary leaves, boil this over low heat for five to ten minutes and then strain. You need to drink this tea three times a day, half a cup.
2. A decoction of marshmallow, cinquefoil, and rosehip herbs is especially effective against cytomegalo viral infection. You need to make tea from a liter of water and these herbs and drink in small sips throughout the day. The course of treatment is four weeks.
3. Tea made from chamomile leaves, oak bark and anise bark has antiviral and antibacterial activity. To prepare it, all ingredients need to be poured with water and boiled. Take half a glass in the morning and evening.

Homeopathic medicines It can also be successfully used for the mother, which improves the child’s response to drug therapy and speeds up his recovery.

1. Antimonium Tartaricum is a homeopathic remedy of natural plant origin. Used in the treatment of pneumonia in children with severe moist rales in the sixth dilution. Dosage of the drug: two drops every six hours in tea or water for mother. Side effects are possible in the form of allergic reactions. Precautionary measures - do not use the drug if you suspect congenital defects in the baby.
2. Hepar sulfur is an inorganic homeopathic medicine. Used in premature babies with breathing problems and surfactant deficiency. Method of using the drug in capsules. Dosage of the drug: two capsules three times a day. Side effects are possible in the form of hyperemia of the skin of the hands and feet, as well as a feeling of heat. Precautionary measures - do not use in combination with sorbents.
3. Veratrum viride is a homeopathic remedy that has a composition of organic agents and helps to activate natural protective forces the body, including in the fight against viral agents. The drug is used for pneumonia with severe heart failure in a child. Dosage four drops twice a day, half an hour before meals at the same time. The course of treatment is three months.
4. Aconite is a homeopathic remedy of natural plant origin, which is recommended for use in the acute period in the third dilution, followed by a transition to the same dosage of Bryonia. Dosage – three drops per fifty grams of water for mother three times a day. The first drug is taken for two weeks, and then switched to the next one. Side effects include tremor of the child's fingers or chin.

It is necessary to take into account that folk and homeopathic remedies are not a priority in treatment and can only be used on the recommendations of a doctor.

It happens that a newly born baby receives its first diagnosis - pneumonia in a newborn. Parents are perplexed and ask questions: how could this happen, how could a little man, who barely breathed the air of a new world, get such a serious illness? We suggest you find the answer in this article.

Causes of pneumonia in newborns

Pneumonia in infants, popularly called pneumonia, can be congenital, i.e. received while the baby is in the womb, and acquired when infection occurs after birth. The congenital variant of the disease is a consequence of infection first reaching the expectant mother and then to the child through the placenta, amniotic fluid or birth canal. For an already born baby, infection is possible within the walls of a hospital or home. In general, the sources of the disease are divided into three groups:

• bacteria;
• viruses;
• fungal infections.

At the same time, the appearance and development of the disease in infants is positively influenced by all kinds of complications: hypoxia, asphyxia, trauma during childbirth, birth defects heart and lungs, weakened immunity, lack or absence of any vitamins.

Symptoms of pneumonia in newborns

Signs of pneumonia in infants differ depending on the method of infection:

• Intrauterine infection to the baby

1. bluish tint to the skin, tongue, lips, arms, legs;
2. weak, quiet first cry or its absence due to the presence of inflammatory processes in the lungs;
3. noisy, uneven breathing with wheezing;
4. increased body temperature (up to 40 degrees);
5. sluggish reflexes;
6. swelling of the legs;
7. frequent regurgitation, vomiting;
8. rapid weight loss;
9. slow healing of the umbilical wound.

• Illness after childbirth (symptoms become noticeable after two days)

1. high temperature (about 40 degrees);
2. decreased appetite, digestive disorders;
3. blue discoloration of the area around the nose and lips;
4. frequent, noisy breathing;
5. general malaise, weakness.

If other symptoms are added to pneumonia in an infant (hypoxia, developmental defects, birth injuries, etc.), the baby may be sent to the intensive care unit, and artificial ventilation of the lungs may be indicated.

Types of pneumonia and special cases of the disease

Unfortunately, children born ahead of schedule, may also suffer from pneumonia. Pneumonia in premature babies has some distinctive features, not inherent in the disease in older children. Thus, babies born before 37 weeks experience a drop in body temperature of up to 35 degrees, while full-term babies, on the contrary, are characterized by a high temperature. Also, their breathing is weaker and less frequent, and there is a risk of disruption of the functioning of the lung tissue and the reappearance of diseases of the bronchopulmonary apparatus. The tendency to regurgitate and vomit is more pronounced, the general condition may be unstable and is sometimes accompanied by other complications (inflammation of the ears, kidney failure).

Another option special occasions The disease in children is bilateral pneumonia. It can involve several segments of one lung or affect both lungs at once. In this case, the baby’s condition is under serious threat, and untimely treatment can lead to a sad outcome.

Infection with pneumonia after cesarean section occurs in newborns after contact with external environment, i.e. immediately after birth and inhalation of hospital air. The causative agent of the disease can be viruses (herpes, rubella, toxoplasmosis), bacteria (chlamydia, streptococci), as well as Candida fungi.

Treatment of pneumonia in newborns

Pneumonia in infants must be treated immediately, otherwise the situation threatens to progress to a more dangerous stage for the baby’s life. Most difficult period the course of the disease - the first two weeks, after which respiratory failure gradually decreases, the child develops an appetite and his condition stabilizes.

A mandatory measure for this disease is hospitalization and placement of the baby in a special hospital, where certain conditions for its recovery (temperature and humidity) will be created. The newborn’s condition is monitored on a regular basis; doctors measure his body temperature, assess his breathing and general well-being. The baby's mucous membranes and skin require special care. Food comes in fractions, and it is desirable that it be mother’s breast milk, capable of providing the baby with important protective components. If necessary, treatment is carried out with antibiotics and drugs to enhance immunity, diuretics and saline solutions are administered intravenously. Oxygen is supplied through a special mask, and the air must have a humidity level of at least a certain level. A course of vitamins, in particular C and group B, may be prescribed in order to strengthen the baby’s immunity.

As shown medical practice, with timely treatment, the prognosis for the development of pneumonia in newborns is favorable.

Intrauterine pneumonia in newborns, the consequences of which can be very dire, is a very common pathology. This infection, which develops in the first days of a child’s life.

The cause of this type of pneumonia is the child’s ingestion of infected amniotic fluid at the time of birth or hematogenous penetration of the pathogen from a sick mother.

Diagnosis of intrauterine pneumonia

Main diagnostic criteria for intrauterine pneumonia:

1. Signs of pneumonia appear between 1 and 3 days of life.
2. When taking an x-ray on the 3rd day of a child’s life, focal or infiltrative shadows are revealed.
3. When sowing microflora in the mother and child in the first days of life, identical analyzes are observed.
4. At fatal outcome In a newborn on the 4th day, an inflammatory process in the lungs is detected.

Auxiliary diagnostic criteria:

1. Histological examination of the placenta can reveal the inflammatory process even in the womb.
2. When the liver and spleen are enlarged, pathology in the baby’s body is determined.
3. Blood tests reveal the presence of inflammation.

Symptoms of intrauterine pneumonia

Symptoms appear on the second or third day after birth. Already during childbirth, it is noticeable that the child is lethargic, weak, and the skin is bluish. Swallowing and sucking reflexes and muscle hypotonia may be absent.

Other symptoms include:

• dry skin accompanied by hemorrhagic rash;
• swollen limbs;
• in full-term infants the temperature rises, in premature infants, on the contrary, it decreases to 34-35 degrees;
• difficulty breathing accompanied by shortness of breath;
• on the 2-3rd day wheezing is heard;
• regurgitation and vomiting;
• lack of body weight;
• possible development of heart failure;
• asphyxia;
• liver enlargement.

Most often, pneumonia can develop due to a streptococcal infection in the womb.

With the development of respiratory failure, three phases of its formation are distinguished:

1. 1st degree – slight rapid breathing, retraction of the intercostal spaces is weakly expressed, cyanosis is weakly expressed in a calm state.
2. 2nd degree - auxiliary muscles are involved during breathing, cyanosis is more pronounced.
3. 3rd degree – rapid breathing, arrhythmia, apnea, movement of the head and additional muscles during breathing. Cyanosis is persistent both during excitement and in a calm state.

Consequences of intrauterine pneumonia in a newborn and their treatment

Treatment of congenital pneumonia may not always give a favorable result. Consequences of even timely treatment are common. These include the formation of atelectasis, which is characterized by areas of adhesive lung tissue and the formation of connective tissue in the affected areas of the lungs. In the future, with such pathologies, the lungs are not able to fully perform their functions, which leads to emphysema. With this disease, the child develops toxicosis, which is difficult to treat.

Basic therapeutic measures for pneumonia and its consequences:

1. Elimination peripheral circulation and its blockade. This procedure is carried out in order to eliminate the centralization of blood flow and reduce the activity of the brain, which is also involved in this process.
2. Detoxification of the body. This therapy is carried out in order to remove toxins accumulated in the body, correct water-electrolyte and alkaline-acid balance, saturate internal organs good blood supply.
3. Elimination of heart failure.
4. Prevention of disseminated vascular coagulation, and when it occurs, quality treatment.
5. Elimination of symptoms of pneumonia.

Consequences of pneumonia in children with delayed diuresis.

Most often the consequences of this disease manifest themselves through difficulty urinating. Delayed diuresis is treated with diuretics, which should be prescribed by a doctor. Often, the assistance of a catheter is required, which is inserted into the bladder.

Forced diuresis is carried out in three directions, such as:

1. Elimination of body dehydration.
2. Establishment of water-salt metabolism.
3. Non-admission high content fluids in the body.

Basic treatment

If pneumonia is suspected, the child is isolated from the mother and transferred to the neonatal department. There he is placed in an incubator, where humidified oxygen is supplied. A small child is prescribed a course of antibiotics. If the condition worsens, artificial ventilation is used; this process is most often carried out in the intensive care unit, where a seriously ill baby is transferred. If the treatment was not carried out entirely correctly, then pneumonia can progress to the chronic stage.

Causes of intrauterine pneumonia

Most often, the causative agents of the disease are streptococci from group B, as well as influenza and parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, and mycoplasma. Infection of the fetus can occur if a pregnant woman in the last stages of pregnancy falls ill with influenza or ARVI.

Other causes of infection in a child include:

• chronic maternal infections;
• use of steroids during pregnancy;
• hypoxia of the fetus in the womb;
• genetic diseases of the lungs and other internal organs.

A child can get an infection that leads to pneumonia in two main ways:

1. Bronchogenic, when the infection enters through the lungs.
2. Hematogenous, when infection occurs in utero through the infected blood of the mother.

Another route of infection may be when a child passes through the birth canal and ingests infected amniotic fluid. There are cases of infection after the birth of a baby.

Prevention of pneumonia in newborns

Preventive measures for this disease include protecting the body of a pregnant woman in order to prevent her from becoming infected with influenza or acute respiratory disease, especially in the second half of pregnancy.

Other preventive measures for a pregnant woman include the following:

1. Timely opening of an account card, regular visits to the clinic and passing all the necessary tests.
2. The expectant mother's diet should be varied and balanced, rich in vitamins and minerals.
3. A significant role is played by giving up bad habits and leading a healthy lifestyle.

During delivery, doctors must take all measures to avoid fetal asphyxia. After the child is born, do not allow infection to enter the room where he is located. It is very important not to overcool the baby during this period. The importance of mother’s milk in boosting the child’s immune system has also long been proven.

About pneumonia in a newborn baby

Features of the bronchopulmonary system in the fetus and newborn.

In utero, the fetal lungs do not contain air. But he begins to make breathing movements already from 23 weeks of pregnancy. However, before this period, gas exchange in the lungs of the fetus cannot yet occur due to anatomical and functional immaturity.

At birth, the baby's lungs are filled with amniotic fluid. When a full-term baby takes his first breath, the inhalation volume is approximately 70 ml, with almost all alveoli opening. Amniotic fluid quickly absorbed into the blood and interalveolar space. In premature babies, taking the first breath is more difficult because, in addition to the immaturity of the respiratory system, their nervous system is imperfect. the cardiovascular system and many metabolic processes.

The newborn baby's breathing is intermittent and uneven. There are pauses; in full-term babies they last 1-6 seconds, in premature babies - 5-12 seconds.

Reasons why newborns are susceptible to pneumonia:

• immaturity of the pulmonary elements, few muscle fibers in the walls of the respiratory tract;
• a dense network of capillaries and lymphatic vessels, loose connective tissue between them;
• the ciliated epithelium is still poorly functioning, the cough reflex is reduced;
• the airways are narrow throughout their entire length, which causes difficulty in the passage of air;
• The ribs are located horizontally, the intercostal muscles are poorly developed, so the excursion chest reduced;
• immaturity of the nervous system aggravates the failure of the respiratory system.

These features, as well as the peculiar response of the immune system, make newborns especially vulnerable to pneumonia. The vulnerability of babies exists, even if the pregnancy proceeded well, the birth was not complicated, and there is no hereditary pathology.

Causes of pneumonia in newborns

Pneumonia of newborns is treated by neonatologists. They define this disease as infectious, although sometimes it can develop as a result of aspiration, but sooner or later the infection still attaches.

Pneumonia in newborns is an acute infectious disease of the lungs that can develop as independent disease or as a complication. It is quite difficult. The mortality rate from the disease in children 1 month old is 30-40%. The incidence rate in full-term infants ranges from 0.5-1%, in premature infants - up to 10%.

Pneumonia in newborns is classified into the following forms:

• focal;
• segmental;
• interstitial.

By causative factor:

• hospital;
• out-of-hospital.

Depending on the circumstances of infection, the following types of pneumonia are distinguished:

• congenital pneumonia (infection is transmitted from the mother through the placenta);
• intrauterine (when infected amniotic fluid enters the lungs);
• intrapartum (bacteria enter during childbirth from the mother’s genital tract);
• postnatal (the disease developed after birth in a maternity hospital or at home).

Causes of pneumonia in new born child:

• bacteria;
• viruses;
• mushrooms;
• pneumocystis;
• mycoplasma;
• chlamydia.

In most cases, mixed pneumonia is observed, for example, bacterial-viral. In terms of frequency, adenoviruses, influenza and parainfluenza viruses predominate among viruses. Among the bacteria - Staphylococcus aureus, pneumococcus, alpha-hemolytic streptococcus. The proportion of Klebsiella, intestinal bacteria, and Proteus in the structure of pathogens has increased significantly.

Symptoms of pneumonia in a newborn

Pneumonia in newborns will manifest itself differently depending on the pathogen and the conditions of infection.

Congenital pneumonia is characterized by the development of suffocation at birth. The child is born with a bluish tint to the skin, does not scream immediately, screams weakly or not at all, moves his arms and legs little, and has weak reflexes. When feeding, such children experience profuse regurgitation. Breathing is weakened, a groan is heard when exhaling, and sometimes a semblance of cough appears. In addition to the respiratory system, the child’s cardiovascular and digestive (bloating, abdominal pain, enlarged spleen) systems are also affected. Body temperature is normal or reduced. Full-term infants may have fever from the second day of illness. Symptoms last about 3-4 weeks. This type of inflammation is different severe course and high mortality.

Pneumonia that develops in the first days of a child’s life has a long latent period. The first signs can be observed only on the 5th day of life and later. The severity of the course depends on the infection that caused the disease.

The diagnosis of viral pneumonia is difficult to make because it is quickly associated with a microbial infection. Influenza pneumonia in a newborn has an unexpected onset. Body temperature rises to 39 °C and higher, convulsions, anxiety, refusal to eat, and meningeal symptoms appear. An atypical course with a temperature of up to 38 ° C and without strong signs of intoxication is also possible. A feature of this type of pulmonary inflammation is damage to blood vessels and hemorrhages in all organs of the child. Such children may have consequences in the form of encephalitis, meningitis, hemorrhages in vital organs, otitis, and pyelonephritis.

Pneumonia caused by the parainfluenza virus develops in parallel with inflammation of the pharynx. Clinically, it is milder than influenza, intoxication is less pronounced, and the temperature rises slightly. But weakness, decreased reflexes, and pallor of the limbs are still present.

Staphylococcal pneumonia in children can be a complication of sepsis or occur as an independent disease. It is severe with high fever, severe toxicosis, hemorrhages, and pleurisy. The heart, nervous system, and kidneys are also affected.

Chlamydial and mycoplasma pneumonia most often occur in utero. They are not only difficult, but also difficult to treat. These pneumonias are characterized by cough, swelling, and sometimes a rash. These diseases are often fatal.

What are the differences in the course of pneumonia in full-term and premature infants? In premature newborns:

• symptoms such as shortness of breath, cyanosis of the skin, increased breathing predominate;
• fever is rare;
• complications both from the lungs and from other organs are more common;
• foamy fluid comes out of the mouth;
• Pneumonia is often followed by sepsis;
• the disease lasts a long time and leaves behind irreversible consequences.

Treatment of pneumonia in newborns

The main thing in the treatment of pneumonia is antibacterial therapy. Most often, the causative agent of the infection is not yet known at the time the antibiotic is prescribed, so the doctor makes his own assumptions. If the drug is chosen correctly, the condition will improve within 2-3 days. Otherwise, the medications need to be changed to others.

Three groups of antibiotics are used in newborns: penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides. Protected penicillins (amoxiclav, augmentin, flemoclav, unasin) are considered the most effective for initial therapy. If there is a suspicion of chlamydia or mycoplasma, then the choice falls on macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin). Cephalosporins are used as alternative drugs. The child is treated with antibiotics for at least 10-14 days.

If a pathogen is identified, treatment with specific immunoglobulins (antistaphyllococcal, anti-influenza, anti-pseudomonas, etc.) can be added to antibiotic therapy.

Inhalations are an integral part of the treatment of lung diseases. Oxygen is inhaled through aqueous solutions, sodium bicarbonate, saline solution, acetylcysteine, lasolvan, trypsin, chymotrypsin. Oxygen reduces respiratory failure, and mucolytics thin sputum.

The position of the child also matters. If the pneumonia is unilateral, then the baby is placed on the healthy side, and if it is bilateral, the side is changed every 2 hours. It is advisable for the mother or medical personnel to massage the baby's chest by tapping. This will also make the mucus easier to clear. In physical therapy in the acute phase, only microwave therapy on the chest area is allowed.

What are the consequences of pneumonia for a child?

Time is of the essence. The earlier treatment is started, the better prognosis for a child. If treatment is started on the first day, then pneumonia can be cured without a trace. But if antibiotic therapy is started late, the consequences can be very different. The infection can spread to healthy areas of the lungs, to the pleura, and then pleurisy develops. Sepsis is a fairly common and serious complication. With prolonged tissue destruction, cavities form in the lungs. The characteristics of the lung tissue of babies cause the rapid development of pulmonary edema and respiratory failure.

Long-term consequences develop months and years after the illness. These may be: transition to a chronic form, adhesions between the lungs and pleura, disruption of normal lung function, frequent pain in adulthood.

How does pneumonia occur in newborns?

Pneumonia in newborns is a fairly common disease that a baby can become infected with while in the womb or directly during childbirth.

Just a few decades ago, this diagnosis jeopardized not only the health, but also the life of the child, but today the situation has changed radically. Of course, the baby will have to take complex treatment, but the chances of his survival will be much higher.

How to diagnose pneumonia?

As a rule, pneumonia in newborns is diagnosed within the walls of a medical institution and is then under the control of medical workers. If the illness makes itself felt when the baby is already at home, the parents simply cannot help but notice the problem! The child becomes capricious, his body temperature rises significantly, accompanied by a severe cough. Trying to cope with the disease on your own is categorically not recommended, because in the vast majority of cases this only leads to a worsening of the baby’s condition.

Among the most common routes of infection are:

1. Transplacental. In this case, the unborn child is infected by penetration of the pathogen through the mother's placenta. In order to avoid such an outcome, a woman must be extremely careful, avoiding crowded places, especially during periods of worsening epidemics of infectious diseases.
2. Antenatal. The pathogenic bacteria enter the child's respiratory tract from the amniotic fluid and cause rapid infection. Treating an unborn baby is a rather complicated process, so in the absence of clear indications, doctors wait until it is born.
3. Intrapartum. In this case, infection of infants occurs directly during the birth process, especially if the woman in labor undergoes a cesarean section. The reason for this is not necessarily an infection in the mother's birth canal. It can also be invisibly present in the environment.
4. Postnatal. This route assumes that the infection affects an already born baby, both in the maternity ward and at home. However, parents are strongly discouraged from wasting time trying to find out who is to blame. Their main task is to select a qualified doctor who can prescribe high-quality and effective treatment for the baby.

No matter how dangerous and frightening intrauterine pneumonia may be for parents, it should not put parents into a state of stupor. The problem can and should be dealt with! However, this will take time.

How is pneumonia treated?

As soon as pneumonia is diagnosed in newborn children, the doctor immediately places them in a medical facility where they will receive qualified care. Try to challenge the doctor’s decision and convince him that it will be done at home best care, will be an unforgivable mistake! Fragile children's body is in the development stage and simply cannot cope with a strong infection. He should definitely be helped, but only on the condition that drug treatment will not harm other body systems.

In this case, a correctly prescribed course of antibiotics plays a key role in this matter, allowing to normalize the temperature and stop progressive inflammation. This course is prescribed to children without fail, regardless of the form of the disease and its severity. At the same time, the child will take powerful vitamin therapy to support the body and give it the strength to fight the disease on its own.

Usually, visible signs Pneumonia disappears within a week, while complete recovery takes several weeks. Discharge the little patient home for further rehabilitation maybe in about 10 days. However, this does not mean at all that at home, in case of pneumonia in newborns, parents will need to give their baby exclusively medications!

Methods can also provide significant assistance traditional medicine, estimated as alternative way treatment. One of them is mustard plasters, well known to many, which, in agreement with the pediatrician, can also be placed on infants. However, parents should be extremely careful in this matter so that after using them there are no burns left on the baby’s delicate skin.

Honey can also help in the fight against pneumonia. healing properties known to almost every person. It should be mixed with birch buds and boiled for 10 minutes. The child should be given this mixture immediately before going to bed. The good thing about a mixture of honey and birch buds is that it does not cause allergies and can be used not only when treating pneumonia, but also for any other infectious disease. However, before using it, consultation with a pediatrician is an essential procedure!

Prevention of pneumonia in children

The development of intrauterine pneumonia in newborns in no way depends on the baby and falls entirely on the conscience of the parents. The expectant mother should be extremely careful and not once again provoke the development of diseases. On a bad day or during the progression of infections, it is advisable to refrain from contact with large numbers of people! After all, often these are the causes of infection. What is truly important for a woman during pregnancy is the health of her child. All other desires can wait.

If parents suffer from an infectious disease, they should minimize contact with the child and be sure to wear gauze bandages on their faces!

Such, at first glance, simple methods protections make it possible to exclude the presence of a disease in a child such as intrauterine pneumonia, which is categorically not recommended at such a tender age!

The health of a newborn child should be given due attention, because at this age many surprises are possible. If the symptoms of pneumonia have already made themselves felt, do not despair! After all, a timely visit to a doctor will certainly solve all problems and give the baby a healthy and happy childhood.

Pneumonia in newborns

Pneumonia in newborns – infectious inflammation lung tissue - is one of the most common infectious diseases. It is dangerous for any baby, especially when it comes to bilateral pneumonia in newborns. Unfortunately, the statistics today are as follows: pneumonia in newborns is diagnosed in 1% of full-term and 10-15% of premature babies.

Types and causes of pneumonia in newborns

In medicine, the following types of pneumonia are distinguished depending on the cause of the disease:

• congenital transplacental (the pathogen enters the baby through the placenta from the mother);
• intrauterine antenatal, caused by pathogens that penetrated from the amniotic fluid into the lungs of the fetus;
• intrapartum, occurs when the baby passes through the mother’s birth canal infected with microorganisms;
• postnatal pneumonia, in which infection occurs after birth in a maternity hospital, in the neonatal pathology department (nosocomeal), or at home.

The most common causes of pneumonia in newborns are:

• infections of toxoplasmosis, listeriosis, rubella, herpes (with congenital transplacental pneumonia in newborns);
• streptococci of groups B and O, gestal mycoplasmas, tuberculosis and Haemophilus influenzae (for antenatal and intrapartum pneumonia);
• group B streptococci, cytomegaloviruses, chlamydia, Candida fungi and herpes virus type II (for intrapartum pneumonia);
• Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus, staphylococci (with nosocomeal aspiration pneumonia in newborns);
• mixed bacterial-bacterial, viral-bacterial.

Acquired domestic pneumonia most often occurs against the background of ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection) caused by adenoviruses.

Secondary pneumonia, which is a manifestation or complication of sepsis, aspiration syndrome, is often caused in newborns by streptococci, staphylococci or gram-negative flora.

Symptoms of pneumonia in newborns

In the case of intrauterine infection, doctors will detect signs of pneumonia in a newborn even before discharge, because often the first signs of pneumonia begin to appear immediately after the birth of the child.

If a mother and child are discharged home, a doctor must come to their home for patronage during the first month. He will monitor the baby's condition, and he needs to talk about everyone alarming symptoms, for example, about the child’s lethargy, frequent regurgitation and loose stools, refusal to breastfeed, rapid fatigue when sucking.

If your child’s temperature rises, you should not wait for the doctor’s next visit. Call an ambulance immediately. Cough in infants may be mild, but it is important to immediately pay attention to coughing. The appearance of nasal discharge and shortness of breath in a child should also alert you. Shortness of breath leads to symptoms of blueness on the feet, face and hands. A sick child develops diaper rash more quickly.

There is no need to be afraid of missing pneumonia in your child, because signs of the disease rarely appear without a rise in temperature. And it needs to be measured periodically for preventive purposes.

A doctor who regularly examines and listens to a child can easily detect pneumonia.

What treatment is prescribed for pneumonia in newborns?

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are always used to treat pneumonia. The child needs careful care to avoid hypothermia and overheating. It is important to monitor the hygiene of his skin, often change the position of his body, and feed exclusively from a horn or using a tube. Doctors will allow breastfeeding of a sick baby only if its condition is satisfactory, namely, if intoxication and respiratory failure have disappeared.

In addition to the listed treatments, physiotherapy (microwave and electrophoresis), vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B15, the use of immunoglobulins, mustard and hot wraps twice a day, and blood plasma transfusions are also prescribed.

Consequences of pneumonia in newborns

Children who have had pneumonia (especially double pneumonia in newborns) are prone to recurrent illnesses. After discharge, they should be given repeated courses of vitamin therapy and bioregulators (aloe and eleutherococcus extract) for 3-4 months. And for 1 year the child will be under medical supervision.

Everything is fine, but then the diagnosis is intrauterine pneumonia!!! this is dangerous, what are the consequences?

Answers:

Olga

INTRAUTERINE PNEUMONIA is an infectious lung disease that occurs during intrauterine infection of the fetus and manifests itself in the first hours and days of a newborn’s life. More often observed in premature babies.
The causative agents of the disease are most often group B streptococci, influenza viruses, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, mycoplasma. Infection of the fetus occurs when pregnant women become ill with respiratory viral diseases in the last weeks of pregnancy and shortly before childbirth.
Symptoms of the disease most often appear at birth or within 24-48 hours after birth. Children are born in in serious condition, lethargic, pale or cyanotic. From the first hours after birth there are observed a sharp decline reflexes (including sucking and swallowing), muscle hypotonia. Physiological erythema is mild or absent; dry skin, hemorrhagic rash, and pyoderma are often observed. In many children, swelling of the subcutaneous tissue forms on the lower extremities and abdomen, caused by metabolic disorders and increased permeability of the vascular wall. Body temperature in full-term infants rises to 37-40 °C, in premature infants it is reduced to 34-35 °C. From the moment it is established, breathing is rapid and shallow, sometimes arrhythmic, groaning, shortness of breath is accompanied by retraction of the pliable parts of the chest, and attacks of respiratory arrest. Regurgitation and vomiting are often observed in newborns. Physiological loss of body weight exceeds 15-30%. As the severity of the general condition increases, the manifestations of respiratory failure intensify. Breathing becomes shallow and arrhythmic. Along with pneumonic symptoms, newborns show signs of cardiovascular disorders. Prognostically unfavorable symptoms include changes in the boundaries of the heart (narrowing or expansion), the appearance of systolic murmur, attacks of cyanosis, signs of peripheral circulation disorders (pallor of the skin, acrocyanosis, marbling, hypothermia of the extremities).
The vast majority of patients have an enlarged liver. In the blood - leukocytosis or leukopenia.
When pneumonia develops due to aspiration of infected amniotic fluid during childbirth, signs of the disease appear quickly. Pallor and cyanosis of the skin, shortness of breath, attacks of asphyxia, and increased body temperature are noted. Pneumonia is often combined with atelectatic and edematous-hemorrhagic changes in the lungs.
The course of pneumonia caused by group B streptococci differs in some ways. Infection occurs in utero - as a result of an ascending infection or through contact of the fetus with infected tissues birth canal- during childbirth. The disease usually progresses rapidly, often ending in death within 1-2 days.
Recognized on the basis of anamnesis data predisposing to early infection of the fetus (acute and chronic infectious diseases of the mother, uterine bleeding during pregnancy, etc.), factors of early clinical signs of the disease, results of X-ray, bacteriological, virological studies of the contents of the respiratory tract, detection of pathogenic flora in the amniotic fluid.
Pneumonia of newborns.
Forecast. The outcome of intrauterine pneumonia depends on the degree of maturity and reactivity of the newborn’s body, as well as on the type of pathogen and the timeliness of the use of therapeutic measures.

Freya

Why not ask your doctor this question IMMEDIATELY?? ? There is a lot of information in the search engine. It is treatable, not fatal.

How long does it take to treat pneumonia in a newborn? Are the chances of recovery high? What could be the consequences?

Answers:

liza liza

Apparently, the baby is in a hospital, i.e., under the constant supervision of doctors, so be patient and under no circumstances doubt his recovery.
In general, pneumonia is treated within 21 days; the course of treatment includes antibiotics. Don't rush to be discharged home. After discharge it will begin recovery period. Find a good pediatrician and gastroenterologist (dysbacteriosis usually appears after antibiotics).
Olga, EVERYTHING WILL BE OK!!!

Galina Chernyavskaya

It is very unpleasant when a child is sick, and even in such early age My daughter, when she was 3 years old, had left-sided pneumonia and was treated for 21 days. 4 days is not enough, wait and don’t be upset, hope for the best, pray for good things, go to church, light a candle for yourself and your baby, if you can’t do it yourself, your relatives will do it for you. Hope for the best!

Olya boss

antibiotics and time, if one antibiotic is not enough, then add a second one and donate blood again for ESR

Fairy Winged

My daughter also had unilateral pneumonia, she was treated right in the maternity hospital for 18 days, first she was injected with one antibiotic for 7 days, then with a second, stronger one. The only side effect we had was dysbacteriosis, which was quickly cured. There, in the maternity hospital, I talked with the mothers of children who also had pneumonia (some had unilateral, some bilateral), everyone was cured and discharged, but in general, of course, I don’t know the statistics on pneumonia. 4 days is not a long time, everything will be fine, let the baby recover.

Just LANA

Firstly, a lot depends on your confidence that your child will recover! Secondly, if the baby is strictly under the supervision of doctors and nurses, then there is no need to worry too much. If the child was born healthy, there are no pathologies, then the chances are especially good. Consequences: the baby is registered after this disease for a certain time, the downside is that the immune system is greatly weakened. Speedy recovery for the little one!

Mhlu

Necessarily!! ! Rub your feet and hands every two hours. You also need to rub and massage the back and chest 3-4 times a day. As your condition improves, the number of rubbing your legs and arms can be reduced to eight.

Sergey Balanenko

Thanks girls for your feedback

Intrauterine pneumonia is the most common cause of death in newborns. After birth the lungs are the most important body, which helps the child adapt to life in the environment. Lung damage disrupts this process, so often such children are immediately admitted from the delivery room to intensive care units for newborns for intensive care and artificial ventilation.

Causes of intrauterine pneumonia in newborns

The most common causes of intrauterine pneumonia are the presence of viruses and bacteria in the body of a pregnant woman, which can penetrate the hematoplacental barrier to the fetus and infect the lungs. We can assume the likelihood of intrauterine pneumonia if a pregnant woman has had an acute respiratory viral infection or other infectious disease during pregnancy. later pregnancy.

The cause of pneumonia in newborns may be aspiration (swallowing) of amniotic fluid during protracted labor, post-term pregnancy. Meconium (original feces) entering the respiratory tract of a newborn is especially dangerous. The risk of fetal pneumonia is higher in premature babies.

Signs of intrauterine pneumonia in newborns

The first signs of intrauterine pneumonia may appear in the first hours or days after birth. These symptoms include:

• shortness of breath;
• bluish color of the skin;
• moaning sounds.

Treatment of intrauterine pneumonia in newborns

Having suspected pneumonia in a newborn child, a neonatologist should transfer him to the neonatal department, place him in an incubator with a constant supply of humidified oxygen, and immediately prescribe antibacterial therapy. If the condition worsens and it is necessary to transfer the child to artificial ventilation lungs, the child is transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Consequences of intrauterine pneumonia

Even if timely medical care helps the baby survive, it can leave consequences in the form of the formation of atelectasis (areas of collapsed lung tissue) or replacement of areas of inflammation connective tissue. The altered areas of the lung tissue of such a child cannot perform their function, and subsequently emphysema (areas of increased airiness of the lung tissue) may develop in such lungs.

Prevention of intrauterine pneumonia is the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza in the mother, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy.

Every pregnant woman worries about the upcoming birth and the health of her baby. And these worries are completely justified - nowadays 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 precipitating factors. 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 pathogenic microorganisms enter the child’s body if it is reliably protected from external influences by the amniotic sac and amniotic fluid.

There are two ways a child can become infected:

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 a newborn;
• Underdevelopment of neurons located in the central nervous system, especially in premature infants;
• Early discharge of amniotic fluid.

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

In such cases, the mother herself feels unwell and, accordingly, turns to a doctor for help. The doctor will prescribe medications that will alleviate the condition of the expectant mother and baby.

Symptoms of congenital pneumonia

This disease cannot occur without any symptoms. 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.

The main signs of the disease that occurs due to the bronchogenic method of infection are:

1. Choking is a fairly common phenomenon, occurring in approximately one in four newborns. However, with congenital pneumonia, almost everyone experiences suffocation. In this case, resuscitators are forced to carry out special resuscitation actions.
2. Scream healthy baby loud. Children with pneumonia cry weakly or there is no sound at all. Breathing is also weak, irregular, and shallow. Moist rales are heard in the lungs, breathing is harsh.
3. Reduced body temperature. All newborn babies are susceptible 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 temperature are a threat to the life of the newborn.
4. Decreased innate reflexes. Inflammation of the lungs negatively affects the well-being of even an adult, not to mention newborns. This child is very lethargic. Congenital sucking and breathing reflexes are reduced or absent altogether. In this case, it is necessary to use artificial ventilation and tube feeding.
5. The digestion process is disrupted and, as a result, body weight decreases. The newborn often spits up and suffers from bouts of vomiting. Because of this, body weight is reduced to a critical figure.
6. Cardiovascular dysfunction vascular system. All internal organs are dependent on each other. Incorrect operation lungs leads to disruption of the cardiovascular system. The skin becomes pale, and in severe cases, even bluish. Swelling of the legs and irregular heart rhythm often occur. After recovery heartbeat is being restored.

If the 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 at the beginning of the disease become gray, as it progresses they become pale and then generally have a blue tint. Cyanosis is clearly manifested - blue discoloration of the skin of the nasolabial triangle.
2. Disturbances in the central nervous system. In newborns, this most often manifests itself as severe agitation or, conversely, lethargy. It is lethargy that happens much more often.
3. Loss of appetite. 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 as such. Treatment of pneumonia is delayed until 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 child 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 and prescribe treatment.

Treatment of congenital pneumonia

Congenital pneumonia, treatment

Treatment is carried out only in a hospital, because the child must be under 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 may prescribe:

• diuretics – for the treatment of edema;
• Antibiotics are prescribed without fail. 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 identified, then an antibiotic is prescribed wide range actions;
• vitamins and immunomodulators are prescribed to strengthen the functioning of the immune system;
• lacto- and bifidobacteria are necessary for the treatment of dysbiosis that occurs after a course of antibiotics;
• local stimulating reflexotherapy (mustard plasters, massage) is prescribed only by a doctor. At high temperatures, these procedures are prohibited;
• alkaline inhalations - used only for full-term babies. The child may not want to lie still, but the result is worth it.

Successful treatment largely depends on the mother’s actions. There are rules for caring for a child with pneumonia:

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

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

Consequences of congenital pneumonia

Organism and the immune system Every newborn is unique. Some will quickly cope with the disease with minimal medical care, while others will need long process recovery, which does not exclude the development of complications. Most often these are:

• intestinal toxicosis is characterized by agitation, anxiety, vomiting, diarrhea, and tachycardia. This excited state turns into apathy, even to the point of loss of consciousness. The body temperature drops to 34 degrees, the child begins to lose weight. Necessary drinking 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 the impact of pathogenic microflora and toxins on the brain, disturbances in blood circulation, neurological sphere, and thermoregulation may occur;
• in some cases, pulmonary failure may develop;
• Due to destruction, cavities may form in the lungs.

Prevention of congenital pneumonia

Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. An expectant mother can reduce the chance of her baby developing pneumonia. To do this you need:

• regularly take all tests prescribed by your doctor;
• treat foci of chronic infections;
• do not contact with infected people;
• eat more vegetables, fruits and greens;
• walk on 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 begin drug treatment in time.