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Pneumonia is an inflammation of the tissue in your lungs. It is relatively rare in children. Pneumonia may be caused by bacteria, a virus or an infection by both. The causes of pneumonia are the same as in any respiratory tract infection.
Symptoms
- cough, runny or blocked nose, fever (typically persist over a long period of time)
- fatigue, drowsiness
- child seems very ill
- some children experience abdominal pains
- use of intercostal muscles for breathing (a very rare symptom)
Treatment
Pneumonia is diagnosed by an auscultation of the lungs and by taking a chest X-ray. When the patient is a child, blood tests are also taken. Irrespective of its cause, pneumonia is always treated with antibiotics. Children are admitted to hospital, if their symptoms are severe.