Pneumonia is an acute lower respiratory infection that causes the tiny air sacs in the lungs to fill with pus and fluid, hindering oxygen exchange. In children under 5, prompt recognition and antibiotic therapy prevent serious complications like empyema or sepsis.
Fast Breathing by Age (WHO Criteria)
Count your child's breaths for 60 full seconds while they are quiet:
- Under 2 months: 60 breaths per minute or more
- 2 to 11 months: 50 breaths per minute or more
- 12 months to 5 years: 40 breaths per minute or more
Chest Indrawing and Oxygen Therapy
When the lower chest wall sucks in during inhalation, the child's respiratory muscles are working near exhaustion. In our hospital, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and humidified oxygen therapy support breathing while targeted antibiotics clear the lung infection.
Doctor's Clinical Insight: "The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and Hib vaccines provide powerful defense against the most lethal bacterial causes of childhood pneumonia." — Dr. S. Karimunnisa, MD
Need Immediate Pediatric Care or Expert Consultation?
Safe Kids Hospitals at Pillar No. 110, Attapur, Hyderabad provides 24/7 Pediatric Emergency, Level 4 NICU, Pediatric ICU, and multi-specialty child healthcare.
Emergency 24x7 Helpline: +91 94944 00108 | Walk-in OPD open 7 days a week.
