General information only. This Parent Resource summarizes WHO information about pneumonia in children. It does not diagnose respiratory symptoms.

What is pneumonia?

WHO describes pneumonia as a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. In pneumonia, the small air sacs of the lungs can fill with pus and fluid, which interferes with oxygen intake and can make breathing painful.

What can cause pneumonia in children?

WHO states that childhood pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. Its fact sheet identifies Streptococcus pneumoniae as a common bacterial cause, Haemophilus influenzae type b as another bacterial cause, and respiratory syncytial virus as a common viral cause.

How can pneumonia-causing infections spread?

WHO explains that viruses and bacteria found in the nose or throat can infect the lungs when inhaled. They may also spread through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing.

What respiratory features does WHO describe?

WHO says that in children under 5 years with cough and/or difficult breathing, with or without fever, pneumonia is clinically identified by fast breathing or lower chest-wall indrawing. WHO also notes that very severely ill infants may be unable to feed or drink and may experience unconsciousness, hypothermia or convulsions.

These are WHO clinical features, not a self-diagnosis tool. A webpage cannot distinguish pneumonia from other causes of cough, fever or difficult breathing in an individual child.

What risk factors does WHO identify?

WHO identifies undernutrition, some pre-existing illnesses and environmental conditions as factors that can increase susceptibility. Its environmental examples include indoor air pollution from biomass fuels, crowded homes and parental smoking.

What prevention measures does WHO describe?

WHO identifies immunization, adequate nutrition and addressing environmental factors as key prevention approaches. It specifically names immunization against Hib, pneumococcus, measles and pertussis, exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months, handwashing with soap and reduction of household air pollution among prevention measures.

Related ChildSpecialist.in information

For a separate antibiotic-awareness resource focused on ordinary coughs and colds, see why most coughs and colds do not need antibiotics. For India’s public vaccination programme, see the National Immunization Schedule.

References

  1. World Health Organization. Pneumonia in children, 11 November 2022.