Is it good for a newborn to have a chest X-ray for pneumonia?

Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
Updated on September 06, 2024
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If a newborn exhibits symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing, and pneumonia is suspected, it is essential to take a chest X-ray. Although the child is very young and just born, and despite the presence of certain radiation from the chest X-ray, the pros and cons must be weighed. For the sake of an accurate diagnosis and timely medication treatment, a chest X-ray is necessary. Unlike adult pneumonia, neonatal pneumonia progresses very rapidly. If the medication is not administered promptly and the diagnosis is uncertain, the condition can easily be delayed and progress too quickly. Thus, at this time, concerns about radiation should be set aside, and a chest X-ray is definitely needed. If the chest X-ray does not confirm the diagnosis, even conducting a CT scan might be necessary. It is crucial to clarify the diagnosis quickly and start treatment promptly. Because neonatal pneumonia is truly different from adult pneumonia, it progresses very rapidly and can potentially lead to severe complications like sepsis and shock, which are very dangerous. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Gao Shan Na
Neonatology
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How long is the treatment for neonatal pneumonia?

Neonatal pneumonia, commonly referred to here, is an infectious pneumonia and a prevalent disease among newborns, also a significant cause of neonatal mortality. Its causes include intrauterine infectious pneumonia, infections during the delivery process, and postnatal infections. Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of the lung infection, the toxicity of the pathogen, and individual differences in the host response. For mild infections, the general treatment duration is seven to ten days, but for severe infections, it may extend to two to three weeks or even longer, particularly with specific pathogens.

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Written by Gao Shan Na
Neonatology
44sec home-news-image

Is neonatal pneumonia vomiting severe?

Some common symptoms of neonatal pneumonia include: frothy sputum, shortness of breath, cough, fever, and the three-concave sign. If the bacterial pathogen of this lung infection also affects the gastrointestinal tract, there may also be symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. When severe pneumonia causes cyanosis and lack of oxygen in the child, accompanied by frequent vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration, this type of pneumonia is quite severe and it is essential to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
1min 10sec home-news-image

Is it good for a newborn to have a chest X-ray for pneumonia?

If a newborn exhibits symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing, and pneumonia is suspected, it is essential to take a chest X-ray. Although the child is very young and just born, and despite the presence of certain radiation from the chest X-ray, the pros and cons must be weighed. For the sake of an accurate diagnosis and timely medication treatment, a chest X-ray is necessary. Unlike adult pneumonia, neonatal pneumonia progresses very rapidly. If the medication is not administered promptly and the diagnosis is uncertain, the condition can easily be delayed and progress too quickly. Thus, at this time, concerns about radiation should be set aside, and a chest X-ray is definitely needed. If the chest X-ray does not confirm the diagnosis, even conducting a CT scan might be necessary. It is crucial to clarify the diagnosis quickly and start treatment promptly. Because neonatal pneumonia is truly different from adult pneumonia, it progresses very rapidly and can potentially lead to severe complications like sepsis and shock, which are very dangerous. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
59sec home-news-image

What tests are done at the hospital for neonatal pneumonia?

Newborns have immature tracheal functions and low immune function; once neonatal pneumonia occurs, hospitalization is definitely required. The usual tests needed include the following aspects: First, imaging tests, typically including chest X-rays or a CT scan of the lungs, are necessary to understand the extent, severity, and specific details of the lung lesions. Second, tests related to infection are needed. This generally includes complete blood counts, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, etc. In cases with significant throat phlegm, sputum culture and blood culture are also needed to identify the pathogen. Third, an assessment of the child’s tracheal function and internal environmental status is required. This typically involves blood tests for liver function, kidney function, cardiac enzymes, electrolytes, etc., to enable a comprehensive assessment and accurate treatment.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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How to Prevent and Care for Neonatal Pneumonia

Prevention and care of neonatal pneumonia mainly involve paying attention to the following points: First, pay close attention to the feeding methods to prevent the child from aspirating and causing aspiration pneumonia; Second, ensure that the baby is kept warm to prevent catching colds which could lead to secondary viral or bacterial infections, worsening the condition; Third, be vigilant about preventing cross-infection in terms of hygiene. This includes maintaining hand hygiene and ventilating rooms frequently; Fourth, follow the doctor's orders for treatment and medication, especially if the child has pneumonia and is usually hospitalized. If it is a mother-baby room, follow the doctor’s instructions to properly administer medication to the child to prevent aspiration during medication, which could worsen the condition.