CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH IN
MODERN SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
56
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION MEASURES FOR PNEUMONIA
(PNEUMONIA) IN CHILDREN
Soibova Kamola
Bukhara State Medical Institute
3rd year student of the Department of Pediatrics
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15877320
Annotation
: This article provides general information about pneumonia
(pneumonia) in children. Pneumonia is a severe infectious disease of the
respiratory system, characterized by high morbidity and mortality, especially
among children under 5 years of age. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), pneumonia affects millions of children worldwide every
year and poses a serious threat to their health. The article extensively covers the
etiology of the disease, namely bacterial, viral and, in rare cases, fungal causes. It
also analyzes the early signs, clinical course, diagnostic methods and modern
treatment approaches of pneumonia. The importance of vaccines, hygiene rules
and a healthy lifestyle in preventing the disease is emphasized. The study shows
the importance of preventive measures in protecting children's health.
Keywords
: pneumonia, lung, bronchopulmonary, dyspnea, viruses, fungi,
mycoplasmas, prophylaxis, apnea, bradypnea, auscultation, staphylococci,
hypothermia, oxygen therapy, hypoxia, inhalation therapy, mycovirus, reovirus.
Introduction.
The global statistics on pneumonia (pneumonia) are as follows (based on
WHO and UNICEF data, data up to 2024):
Global statistics on pneumonia (mainly among children)
1. Deaths:
Every year, more than 700,000 children under the age of 5 die from
pneumonia worldwide. This is the leading cause of child death - one child dies
from pneumonia every 42 seconds.
2. Incidence:
Every year, about 150 million children get pneumonia. Of these, 11-14
million require hospitalization due to severe illness.
3. Regional distribution:
The regions most affected by pneumonia are:
South Asia (especially India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)
Africa (especially Nigeria, Congo, Ethiopia)
Weak health systems, low vaccination rates, and nutritional problems are
the main factors in these regions.
4. Preventable deaths:
CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH IN
MODERN SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
57
Experts believe that 70–80% of deaths from pneumonia can be prevented
with the help of existing vaccines, antibiotics, and oxygen therapy.
Emphysema is an acute infectious process that develops in the respiratory
tract of the respiratory system and is accompanied by inflammation of the lung
tissue. It can develop independently or as a complication of any disease.
Emphysema is accompanied by fluid filling the alveoli and is manifested by a
general response of the div to pathogens (malaria, general intoxication),
cough, respiratory failure (shortness of breath, involvement of accessory
muscles in breathing), local and physical symptoms, infiltrative changes on the
X-ray.
Factors that cause emphysema in children:
The group of children at risk of developing bronchopulmonary diseases
includes:
1. Children living in poor living conditions (violation of the daily routine,
repeated artificial feeding, lack of walks in the fresh air, etc.).
2. Children with poor health (hypotrophy, rickets, anemia, purulent foci,
children who often get sick with ARVI).
3. Hereditary predisposition in the anamnesis (bronchial diseases, allergic
diseases, occupational diseases in parents, complications of pregnancy and
childbirth).
Causes of infection:
The most common cause of pneumonia in children are infections. They are
grouped as follows:
A. Bacteria
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause.
Haemophilus influenzae is especially common in children under 2 years of
age.
Staphylococcus aureus can cause severe cases of pneumonia, abscesses.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is mild to moderate pneumonia in school-age
children.
Chlamydophila pneumoniae is found in middle school age.
Klebsiella pneumoniae is in immunocompromised children.
B. Viruses
Viral pneumonia is common in children, especially under 5 years of age.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common in infants and
toddlers.
Influenza viruses (Influenza A/B)
CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH IN
MODERN SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
58
Parainfluenza viruses
Adenoviruses
Coronaviruses (including COVID-19)
C. Fungi
Pneumocystis jirovecii – mainly in children with HIV or weakened immune
systems. Candida, Aspergillus – are rare, but are observed in severe forms.
Initial (first) symptoms of pneumonia in children
The symptoms observed in children at the onset of pneumonia may vary
depending on the severity of the disease, the child's age, immune status and the
causative microorganisms. However, in most cases, the following common
symptoms are observed:
1. Fever
Often rises to 38–40°C.
Sometimes it is subfebrile (37.5–38°C).
In some viral forms, the temperature may not be present at all.
2. Cough
At first, it may be dry, then phlegmy.
Sometimes phlegm is not produced, but the child has a strong cough.
In infants, instead of a cough, there may only be shortness of breath.
3. Accelerated breathing
The child breathes deeply and frequently (tachypnea).
This is especially important in infants.
Respiratory rate by age:
0–2 months: >60 times/min
2–12 months: >50 times/min
1–5 years: >40 times/min
4. Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
The chest is drawn in during breathing.
The movement of the wings of the nose increases.
The child breathes heavily even when awake.
5. General condition disorder
The child may be weak, capricious, sleep a lot or, conversely, be restless.
Appetite loss.
Sometimes vomiting, diarrhea (especially in viral forms) may occur.
6. Paleness or bruising of the skin
In severe forms, bruising around the mouth (cyanosis), bruising of the
fingertips.
CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH IN
MODERN SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
59
Treatment
Antibacterial Treatment (Antibiotics):
The choice of antibiotic depends on the severity of the child's pneumonia
and the suspected causative agent.
At home (mild cases):
Amoxicillin (first-line antibiotic)
Azithromycin (if mycoplasma or chlamydia is suspected)
Hospital (moderate and severe cases):
Amoxicillin/clavulanate
Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime, Ampicillin, or Macrolides
Intravenous antibiotics (in severe bronchopneumonia or sepsis)
3. Symptomatic treatment:
Fever-reducing drugs: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen
Cough suppressants: only if necessary and as directed by a doctor
Fluid therapy: drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
Gastrointestinal support: in cases of impaired digestion
4. Additional supportive measures:
Oxygen therapy: in case of respiratory failure
Breathing exercises or physiotherapy (after severe cases)
Bed rest: complete rest
Healthy nutrition: to strengthen immunity
5. Conditions that require hospitalization:
Severe respiratory failure
Infants under 6 months of age
Unresponsive to antibiotics
Seizures, fainting, signs of sepsis
Acute dehydration
6. Rehabilitation and monitoring:
It is important to monitor the child for several weeks after pneumonia
Repeat chest X-ray (if necessary)
Restoring immunity and avoiding other infections
Preventive measures:
1. Vaccination (Immunization)
One of the most effective means of preventing pneumonia:
Pneumococcal vaccination (PCV): against Streptococcus pneumoniae
Flu vaccination: recommended annually, as the risk of pneumonia increases
after the flu.
CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH IN
MODERN SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
60
Hib vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type B)
Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine): protects against
viruses that cause pneumonia
2. Proper care and feeding of children
Breastfeeding (at least 6 months): strengthens the baby's immunity
A healthy and balanced diet: should be rich in vitamins and minerals
Prevent vitamin D and vitamin A deficiency
3. Improve the environment
Frequent ventilation of the room
Reduce humidity and dust
Prohibit smoking: passive smoking leads to lung diseases in children
Reduce air pollution
4. Follow the rules of personal hygiene
Frequent washing of hands with soap
Covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing (with a tissue or elbow)
Stay away from infected patients
5. Prompt treatment and observation
Timely treatment of diseases such as influenza, angina, bronchitis
Cough, see a doctor if you have shortness of breath, fever
Keep chronic diseases under control.
6. Strengthen immunity:
Play sports;
Walk outdoors;
Good sleep and a stress-free environment.
References:
1.
Abdurakhmonov A.A. Childhood diseases. – Tashkent: “National
Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan” publishing house, 2018. – 456 p.
2.
Behrman R.E., Kliegman R.M., Jenson H.B.
3.
Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. – 21st edition. – Elsevier, 2020. – 4264 p.
4.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Red Book: 2021–2024 Report of
the Committee on Infectious Diseases. – Elk Grove Village, IL: AAP, 2021.
5.
Shaymardanova L.K., Khodjaeva M.Kh. Childhood infectious diseases. –
Tashkent: Medicine, 2015. – 312 p.
6.
Shavkatova Z.B., Juraeva N.B. Pediatrics: Textbook. – Tashkent: Ilm ziyo,
2021. – 378 p.
