Distressed Respiratory Status
Preemies with pneumonia may experience rapid breathing (primary sign). During a physical examination by a doctor, they may also produce sounds like wheezing or grunting during respiration.
Because the lungs are affected, babies may also have difficulty breathing. Doctors and caregivers will notice this when they see the following:
- Movement of muscles between the ribs
- Belly breathing
- Flaring of nostrils
- Cyanosis
Change in the Respiratory Secretions
Newborns with pneumonia may also exhibit changes in their respiratory secretions. Mostly these changes involve an increase in quantity and change in consistency and color. With pneumonia, the respiratory secretions may become brownish and thick.
General Symptoms of Illness
Due to the infection, preemies may also manifest:
- Instability in temperature; they may develop a fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Less activity
- Vomiting
- Poor feeding
Note that parents should be careful with poor feeding as it may lead to dehydration. Finally, in some cases, the baby may show signs of oxygen deprivation like bluish or greyish lips and fingernails.
Diagnosis
Normally, neonatal pneumonia happens while the preemie is in the hospital. The doctors and nurses monitoring the neonate will be able to spot the signs and symptoms and will quickly make a diagnosis with a chest x-ray, complete blood count (CBC), and bacterial culture.
Treatment
The treatment for neonatal pneumonia depends on the cause. But since the common cause is a bacterial infection, doctors will most likely prescribe antibiotics. They will also consider the type of neonatal pneumonia, whether it’s early-onset or late-onset.
Since the early-onset type is normally a part of generalized sepsis syndrome, the treatment for the two is similar. As for late-onset, many doctors use broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat the condition.
Aside from antibiotic therapy, neonates suffering from pneumonia may also need an increased amount of oxygen.
What Can Parents and Caretakers Do?
While in the hospital, parents and caretakers must follow the doctor’s orders and the protocols when it comes to things like feeding and handling the neonate.
For instance, if parents will be allowed to visit the baby, they must wash their hands thoroughly and wear the appropriate protective equipment, like masks, goggles, and gown. Most importantly, never let anyone who is sick visit the baby. These things are done to protect the newborn from further infections.
If the premature baby is having a hard time suckling, the doctor may order tube feeding. Parents can also talk to them about the possibility of providing breast milk.
Comments
Share your thoughts
Be the first to let Hello Doctor know your thoughts!
Join Us or Log In to join the discussion