What tests are done at the hospital for neonatal pneumonia?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on September 27, 2024
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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 Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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How to treat neonatal pneumonia?

Neonatal Pneumonia Treatment: 1. Manage the respiratory tract by nebulization inhalation, postural drainage, regular turning and back patting to keep the airway clear and clean the oral and nasal secretions. 2. For those with hypoxemia, provide oxygen therapy, which may include nasal cannula oxygen delivery, masks, or head masks. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary if required. 3. Choose appropriate antibiotics; for bacterial infections, select sensitive antibiotics based on the type of bacteria, while antiviral drugs can be used to support treatment of viral infections. 4. Correct circulatory disturbances and electrolyte balance, control infusion rate to prevent heart failure and pulmonary edema, and ensure the supply of energy and nutrients. Immunoglobulin can be used as appropriate to boost immunity.

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Written by Gao Shan Na
Neonatology
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Is the mortality rate of neonatal pneumonia high?

Neonatal pneumonia typically refers to infectious pneumonia, which is a common disease in newborns and a significant cause of neonatal mortality. It can occur in utero, during the birth process, or after birth, caused by bacteria, viruses, or protozoa. Approximately two million children die from neonatal pneumonia worldwide each year. Therefore, once signs and symptoms of pulmonary infection are detected in a child, it is essential to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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Newborn pneumonia symptoms

Neonatal pneumonia is primarily aspiration pneumonia, which differs from the symptoms of pneumonia in adults. Neonates do not exhibit signs such as coughing or expectoration. Instead, they often show symptoms of anorexia, vomiting, gasping, and fever. During physical examination, wet rales can be heard through auscultation. Once pneumonia is diagnosed, the first step is to clear the newborn's respiratory tract to maintain its patency. At the same time, selecting appropriate antimicrobial drugs to actively control the infection can lead to recovery. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Gao Shan Na
Neonatology
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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 Zeng Hai Jiang
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Do newborns with pneumonia have a red complexion?

Neonatal pneumonia generally does not cause a flushed face; instead, it may lead to cyanosis or blueness. Neonatal pneumonia can present with fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, but these symptoms might not be typical and could merely show as rapid breathing and severe vomiting. The physical signs of neonatal pneumonia are also not obvious, and it is difficult to hear wet rales in the lungs. When a newborn has pneumonia, due to the obstruction of gas exchange in the lungs, the infant will breathe faster to improve the hypoxic condition, thus presenting shortness of breath and a tendency to vomit easily. When a baby has pneumonia, they are prone to hypoxia, and the face and lips may turn blue or cyanotic, rather than red.