Other conditions:
Pleural fluid:
A diagnostic thoracocentesis, is indicated initially for cultures and other microbiologic tests, cell count and chemical tests (protein,


glucose, pH). Therapeutic drainage is indicated in empyema.

Supportive care:

  • Maintenance of adequate oxygenation

  • Hydration

  • Acid-base balance

  • Respiratory failure necessitates intubation and mechanical ventilation

  • Symptomatic therapy with antipyretics and nebulization with salbutamol.

Tuberculin test:
The possibility of Tuberculosis should always be considered in a child with pneumonia. Mantoux test is indicated if the child does not respond to initial antibiotic therapy as expected or if there is a history of possible exposure to a person with tuberculosis.

Second chest Roentgenogram:
If a normal child with pneumonia responds promptly to antibiotic therapy, is clinically well and has normal physical findings at follow-up, another chest roentgenogram at 6 weeks is optional. However, if child continues to be symptomatic, has signs of pneumonia or if foreign body aspiration or congenital malformation is suspected chest x-ray has to be repeated.

Conclusion:

Pediatric pneumonia remains an important public health problem in children globally. Much of this could be reduced by recognizing the disease early and by instituting early antibiotic therapy.





Comments

tinaannjohn, India

good info

dinesh-RML, India

good material. references should be given.

palakkmc, India

good site