What are typical signs of pneumonia in babies?
Infection in babies does not manifest itself in the same way as in adults. There are often other signs that indicate infections such as pneumonia. There are also differences depending on how old the child is.
In newborns, the signs of pneumonia can be very unspecific. The babies can be conspicuous by their unwillingness to drink or by their refusal to eat. Apathetic behaviour can also be an indication of pneumonia.
High fever and coughing are typical, but especially the latter is extremely rare in babies. An increased heart rate (tachycardia) is also an indication of pneumonia in babies, but it must be said that the heart rate in newborns and babies is higher than in adults anyway. Also typical for pneumonia in babies are respiratory disorders such as nasal wings.
This is the erection of the nostrils during inhalation, which widens the airways. Shallow and rapid breathing can also be indicative of pneumonia. Temperature fluctuations are also possible.A blue coloration of the mucous membranes and skin indicates a decrease in oxygen saturation in the arterial blood and is also typical of pneumonia in babies. When breathing out, a so-called “knorking” can be heard, which occurs when breathing difficulties occur in the context of pneumonia. However, “knorking” also occurs during normal breathing, especially in premature babies, and as such is not a valid indication of pneumonia.
How contagious is pneumonia in babies?
The risk of infection of pneumonia in babies depends on the type of pathogen and the immune situation of the contact persons. Most pathogens (bacteria and viruses) that cause pneumonia are transmitted by sneezing and coughing. However, many of these pathogens are not so dangerous for adults, as they have produced a lot of antibodies during their lives.
The natural immune system can thus protect itself against the germs, so that pneumonia usually does not occur in adults or older children. Other babies, however, are at risk of becoming infected because their immune system is not yet as mature. Therefore, infants with infectious diseases should not come into contact with healthy babies. The risk of infection is relatively high here. However, it is not possible to make general statements, as the risk of infection varies from pathogen to pathogen.
