What is Pneumonia and What Causes it?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung that causes fluid to collect in the air sacs (alveoli). It can occur in children of all ages, and is most common in winter. Pneumonia is usually a complication of a cold and most pneumonias are not considered to be contagious. Approximately 80% of pneumonia cases are caused by viruses and 20% by bacteria. Viral pneumonia is usually milder than bacterial pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia tends to start quicker, have higher fevers (often over 104 degrees F), and involve a larger area of the lung. Only bacterial pneumonia is helped by antibiotics. Because it’s sometimes difficult to distinguish bacterial pneumonia from viral pneumonia, antibiotics may be given to some of the children with viral pneumonia as well. What is the Expected Course? Most children with pneumonia can be cared for at home. Only 10% of pneumonia cases are admitted to the hospital and this is usually for intravenous fluids and/or oxygen. Bacterial pneumonia, when treated with antibio
