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Get to know bronchopneumonia in children and how to prevent it

Bronchopneumonia is a type of respiratory infection that often attacks children aged 2 years and below or even elderly people aged 65 years and over. Get to know deeper the causes of bronchopneumonia in children and how to prevent it. Based on reports from UNICEF and the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), in 2015 there were around 20,000 children under five in Indonesia who died of pneumonia. Bronchopneumonia or what can be called lobularis pneumonia, is a type of pneumonia due to infection and inflammation of the main airways, namely the bronchi, due to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. In addition, the risk of developing bronchopneumonia can also be increased due to several risk factors, such as age too young or too old, dirty environment, exposure to cigarette smoke, lifestyle, use of immune system suppressants, and certain health conditions, such as malnutrition.

Symptoms of bronchopneumonia in children

Symptoms of bronchopneumonia that appear can vary from mild to severe depending on the cause. In addition, the symptoms of bronchopneumonia can be similar to the symptoms of other lung diseases, namely bronchitis or bronchiolitis, so that a physical examination and support in the form of blood tests and X-rays by doctors, to help distinguish the two diseases. Here are some symptoms of bronchopnumonia in children:
  • Cough with phlegm
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
  • Shivering
  • Chest pain
  • Fussy or difficult to sleep
  • Loss of appetite
  • Restless
  • Gag
  • The face looks pale
  • Bluish discoloration of the lips and nails
  • Wheezing
If the symptoms of bronchopneumonia in children are not treated immediately, it will result in the possibility of other complications that appear more dangerous.

Complications of bronchopneumonia

Complications of bronchopneumonia are generally more common in children, older adults (65 years or older), and people who have certain health problems, such as diabetes. Some complications of bronchopneumonia that may occur, including:

  • Blood infection

    • This condition occurs due to bacteria entering the bloodstream and causing infection to other organs. Blood infection or sepsis has the potential to cause organ failure.

  • Lung abscess

    • Lung abscesses can occur when pus forms in the lung cavity, this condition can usually be treated with antibiotics. But sometimes it also requires surgical procedures to get rid of it.

  • Pleural effusion

    • Pleural effusion is a condition in which fluid fills the space around the lungs and chest cavity. Infected liquid is usually dried using a needle or thin tube. In some cases, serious pleural effusion requires surgical procedures to help discharge.

  • Failure to breath

    • Conditions caused by severe damage to the lungs so that the body can not meet the needs of oxygen due to the disruption of respiratory function. If not treated immediately, respiratory failure can make the organs of the body unable to function and breathing stops altogether. If this happens, then the sufferer needs to get help breathing with the help of a machine (ventilator).

How to take care of a child suffering from bronchopneumonia?

Treatment for children who suffer from bronkopnemoia depends on the cause. In mild bronchopneumonia caused by a virus, it can usually heal in a few days or weeks. For bronchopneumonia caused by bacteria, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to mimic the germs that cause bronchopneumonia and speed up recovery. If the child's condition is stable enough and can be treated at home, the doctor will give antibiotics syrup or tablets and heat-lowering drugs. The doctor will also advise parents to rest the child completely and keep the child away from exposure to cigarette smoke. In addition, other things you can do at home when your child is suffering from brokopnemonia, for example, regulate your child's rest time, increase children's fluid consumption, and provide regular food intake to keep the child energized. If the child's condition is weakened and the symptoms are severe, hospitalization is needed to treat bronchopneumonia. Some bronchopneumonia conditions in children that require immediate medical treatment include difficulty breathing, low blood oxygen levels, dehydration, lethargy, or the child begins to lose consciousness. The doctor will give antibiotic injections through intravenous fluids, and provide oxygen and breath assistance if needed to treat the condition of children with severe bronchopneumonia.

How to prevent bronchopneumonia in children?

At first glance, bronchopneumonia in children is indeed terrible. However, this disease can be prevented. Here are some simple steps to prevent brokopneumonia in children, such as:
  • Try to always maintain the cleanliness of your child's hands to reduce disease transmission.
  • Avoid children from exposure to cigarette smoke.
  • Keep baby or child away from sufferers of bronchopneumonia.
  • Complete the child's immunization to be protected from bacteria and viruses that cause bronchopneumonia infection.
Children are indeed more susceptible to bronchopneumonia, especially those under 2 years of age or children with weakened immune systems. If your child experiences symptoms similar to bronchopneumonia, immediately consult a pediatrician to get a proper examination and treatment. The faster it is managed, the risk of complications due to bronchopneumonia in children will be smaller.

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