Can pneumonia recur?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on April 28, 2025
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Can pneumonia recur? It should be decided based on an individual's constitution. If one has normal immunity and a good constitution, generally, it will not recur after recovery. If one is frail or has low immunity, there is also a certain chance of recurrence clinically. Therefore, it is important to timely adjust the constitution and enhance immunity. One should drink more water, quit smoking and alcohol, avoid exposure to smoke, dust, second-hand smoke, and irritating chemicals, and do more aerobic and endurance exercises. This can help improve the body's immune capabilities and aid in disease recovery.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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How to take care of children with pneumonia

Children with pneumonia need comprehensive and general treatment, and care should be mindful of the following: First, indoor air should be circulated, with a temperature of 18~20°C and humidity at about 60%. Second, provide a nutrition-rich diet. For severe cases where the child has difficulty eating, parenteral nutrition can be given. Third, frequently change the child's position to reduce pulmonary congestion and facilitate the absorption of inflammation. Fourth, pay attention to isolation to prevent cross-infection. Additionally, it is important to monitor and supplement electrolytes and fluids, correct acidosis and electrolyte imbalances. Appropriately supplementing fluids helps moisten the airways, but care should be taken with the speed of fluid administration, as too fast a rate can increase the burden on the heart.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Can pneumonia vaccines prevent mycoplasma pneumonia?

Can pneumonia vaccines prevent Mycoplasma infections? First, we need to understand what pneumonia vaccines are. In our country, the most commonly used pneumonia vaccines are aimed at Streptococcus pneumoniae, which are divided into polysaccharide vaccines and conjugate vaccines. Polysaccharide vaccines are mainly suitable for individuals over two years old and include the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine. This vaccine can prevent infections caused by twenty-three serotypes that often lead to S. pneumoniae infections, with over 90% of pneumonia caused by these twenty-three serotypes. However, the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine does not prevent infections caused by other serotypes of S. pneumoniae. Additionally, the conjugate vaccine only prevents infections caused by either seven or thirteen serotypes. Since Mycoplasma is neither a bacterium nor a virus, it cannot be prevented by pneumonia vaccines, and currently, there is no vaccine available specifically for Mycoplasma infections.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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symptoms of pneumonia in children

Pneumonia is a particularly common infectious disease of the respiratory system. Children, due to decreased disease resistance and low immunity, are especially susceptible to upper respiratory and lung infections. The main clinical symptoms of childhood pneumonia are fever and cough. Additionally, children may experience loss of appetite and vomiting. When these symptoms occur, it is advisable to take the child to the hospital for an examination. The doctor can perform auscultation and collect routine blood tests to preliminarily determine the presence of an infection. If pneumonia is suspected, further imaging studies are recommended for a definitive diagnosis.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How to completely cure pneumonia in children?

Childhood pneumonia is mainly due to the weaker resistance of children, who are then subjected to the invasion of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or other agents like chlamydia and mycoplasma, leading to inflammation of the alveoli. Generally, the treatment of pneumonia is mainly targeted at its pathogens. For instance, antiviral treatment is administered for viral infections, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatments are required for bacterial infections, and specific antibiotics such as azithromycin or erythromycin are used for mycoplasma infections. For other types like tuberculosis and some other fungal pneumonias, specific treatments targeting those pathogens are also necessary. If the baby clearly has symptoms like wheezing or difficulty in breathing, symptomatic treatment is required. Therefore, pneumonia in children is mainly treated based on the cause, and as long as the course of treatment is sufficient, it can be cured completely. However, even after recovery, it does not mean a child will never contract pneumonia again. If the child has weak immunity or is in a high-risk environment with exposure to other patients with pneumonia cough, they might be infected again.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How long does the pneumonia vaccine last?

After receiving the pneumonia vaccine, the body generates an immune response that produces antibodies. Typically, these antibodies provide lifelong immunity. Patients with weak constitutions might need a booster shot every 3-5 years after vaccination, which generally can also lead to lifelong immunity. Vaccinations should be administered at local, formal medical institutions. One can visit the local centers for disease control and prevention to get vaccinated. During the vaccination period, if there are any adverse reactions, they should be addressed promptly. After receiving the vaccine, it is advisable to remain at the medical facility for half an hour for observation before leaving, to prevent the occurrence of adverse reactions.