Pneumonia in Newborns.

Pneumonia in newborns: causes, symptoms and treatment

Pneumonia in newborns is a serious illness that can be fatal, especially in premature and low birth weight babies. In this article we will look at the causes, symptoms and treatment of pneumonia in newborns.

Etiology and pathogenesis

Pneumonia in newborns can be intrauterine or acquired. Intrauterine pneumonia develops as a result of transplacental infection or aspiration of amniotic fluid and mucus. Acquired pneumonia usually develops against the background of respiratory diseases.

Among the causes of pneumonia in newborns are intrauterine infection, aspiration of amniotic fluid, immaturity of lung tissue, atelectasis, circulatory disorders in the lungs and respiratory distress syndrome.

Clinical picture

Symptoms of pneumonia in newborns can vary depending on the form and severity of the disease. Typically, children with pneumonia experience rapid breathing, tachypnea, cyanosis, shortness of breath, cough, and foamy discharge from the mouth. Moist fine bubbling or crepitating rales may be heard in the lungs.

With intrauterine pneumonia, newborns may experience hypo- or areflexia, muscle hypotonia, gray-pale skin color, and signs of respiratory failure. When trying to feed - vomiting or regurgitation, after 2-3 days intestinal paresis.

The duration of the disease is usually 3-4 weeks. In children with low body weight, symptoms of respiratory failure do not always correspond to the severity of the disease.

Diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis of pneumonia in newborns is based on medical history, clinical symptoms and X-ray results. Differential diagnosis includes pneumopathy, congenital defects of the lungs and heart, and aspiration.

Treatment of pneumonia in newborns should be comprehensive, taking into account the form, severity and condition of the child. It is important to provide appropriate care for the child, thoroughly ventilated rooms, free swaddling and an elevated position with the head slightly tilted back. It is also necessary to suction mucus from the mouth and nose and prevent flatulence. Treatment of pneumonia in newborns includes the use of antibiotics, oxygen therapy, inhalation therapy, supportive care and measures to prevent complications. Antibiotics are usually used for 7-10 days. In addition, an immunomodulatory drug may be prescribed.

Severe pneumonia in newborns may require admission to the intensive care unit. In some cases, mechanical ventilation may be required.

Prevention of pneumonia in newborns includes a set of measures aimed at preventing infection of the child in utero and after birth, as well as strengthening the immune system. This includes vaccination of pregnant women, compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards during childbirth, breastfeeding and regular ventilation of the room where the child is.

In general, pneumonia in newborns is a serious disease that requires timely diagnosis and treatment. Timely and correct therapy can save the child’s life and prevent the development of complications.