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Overview ## What is pneumonia in children? Pediatric pneumonia is a general term for any lung infection. It typically begins when an infection affecting the upper respiratory system (nose, throat and airways) moves into the lungs, causing them to swell with fluid. Pneumonia can impact one or both lungs, and be located at the top or bottom of a child’s lung. If left untreated, it can be extremely dangerous and lead to serious complications like respiratory failure (organs will not receive oxygen), [sepsis](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/sepsis-meningitis) or the infection can spread to other areas. ### Risk factors Infants (birth to 1 year) and toddlers (1 to 3 years) are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia, as they are still building their immune systems. Read More ## What is pneumonia in children? Pediatric pneumonia is a general term for any lung infection. It typically begins when an infection affecting the upper respiratory system (nose, throat and airways) moves into the lungs, causing them to swell with fluid. Pneumonia can impact one or both lungs, and be located at the top or bottom of a child’s lung. If left untreated, it can be extremely dangerous and lead to serious complications like respiratory failure (organs will not receive oxygen), [sepsis](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/sepsis-meningitis) or the infection can spread to other areas. ### Risk factors Infants (birth to 1 year) and toddlers (1 to 3 years) are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia, as they are still building their immune systems. Types ## What are the different types of pneumonia in children? **There are four types of pneumonia:** 1. Bacterial pneumonia - [streptococcus](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/streptococcus) pneumonia or bacterial bronchitis 2. Fungal pneumonia - pulmonary aspergilloma, invasive aspergillosis or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis 3. Parasitic pneumonia - ascariasis (a round worm), schistosoma (flatworms also known as blood flukes) and toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis, typically associated with cats) 4. Viral pneumonia - [the flu](https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/6-non-medical-remedies-for-the-flu) or [respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)](https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/rsv-in-infants) Read More ## What are the different types of pneumonia in children? **There are four types of pneumonia:** 1. Bacterial pneumonia - [streptococcus](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/streptococcus) pneumonia or bacterial bronchitis 2. Fungal pneumonia - pulmonary aspergilloma, invasive aspergillosis or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis 3. Parasitic pneumonia - ascariasis (a round worm), schistosoma (flatworms also known as blood flukes) and toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis, typically associated with cats) 4. Viral pneumonia - [the flu](https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/6-non-medical-remedies-for-the-flu) or [respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)](https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/rsv-in-infants) Signs and Symptoms ## What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia in children? Children will experience pneumonia symptoms differently than adults — they may not have symptoms or they can be subtle. Signs will also vary with age and cause of the pneumonia. **Symptoms in infants (birth to 1 year)** - [Cough](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/chronic-cough) with phlegm (thick mucus) or blood - Crying more than usual - Cyanosis (bluish or gray color lips and fingernails) - Decreased activity - [Dehydration](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/dehydration) - Difficulty breathing (belly breaths, flaring nostrils, gasping, rapid breaths, short breaths, visible sucking in of skin by the ribs) - Irritable - Lethargic (extremely and unusually tired) - Pale coloring - Poor feeding or refusal to eat - Sleeping troubles or sleeping more than normal - [Vomiting](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/nausea-vomiting) or spitting up **Symptoms in children 1 year and older** - Chest pain, especially when coughing - Chills or sweating - Cough with phlegm (thick mucus) or blood - Crying more than usual - Cyanosis (bluish or gray color lips and fingernails) - Decreased activity - Difficulty breathing - Fatigue (tired) - Fever - Loss of appetite - Stuffy nose - Vomiting - Wheezing Read More ## What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia in children? Children will experience pneumonia symptoms differently than adults — they may not have symptoms or they can be subtle. Signs will also vary with age and cause of the pneumonia. **Symptoms in infants (birth to 1 year)** - [Cough](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/chronic-cough) with phlegm (thick mucus) or blood - Crying more than usual - Cyanosis (bluish or gray color lips and fingernails) - Decreased activity - [Dehydration](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/dehydration) - Difficulty breathing (belly breaths, flaring nostrils, gasping, rapid breaths, short breaths, visible sucking in of skin by the ribs) - Irritable - Lethargic (extremely and unusually tired) - Pale coloring - Poor feeding or refusal to eat - Sleeping troubles or sleeping more than normal - [Vomiting](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/nausea-vomiting) or spitting up **Symptoms in children 1 year and older** - Chest pain, especially when coughing - Chills or sweating - Cough with phlegm (thick mucus) or blood - Crying more than usual - Cyanosis (bluish or gray color lips and fingernails) - Decreased activity - Difficulty breathing - Fatigue (tired) - Fever - Loss of appetite - Stuffy nose - Vomiting - Wheezing Causes ## What are the causes of pneumonia in children? Pediatric pneumonia can be caused by a bacteria, virus, fungus or parasites (in rare occasions). Bacteria and viruses are the main causes of pneumonia infections. Read More ## What are the causes of pneumonia in children? Pediatric pneumonia can be caused by a bacteria, virus, fungus or parasites (in rare occasions). Bacteria and viruses are the main causes of pneumonia infections. ### Contact us Call[844-4CHILDRENS](tel:844-4CHILDRENS) [Book Appointment](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/request-an-appointment) [Refer Patient](https://www.childrens.com/for-healthcare-professionals/refer-a-patient) ### Related Departments - [FETAL Center The FETAL Center helps families and their babies overcome even the most complex prenatal conditions, by diagnosing health issues before birth, creating a comprehensive birth plan and assembling specialized teams to care for babies once they’re born](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/specialty-centers-and-programs/fetal-neonatal/continuum-of-care-programs/fetal-evaluation-and-treatment-alliance) - [Pediatric Infectious Diseases Program Expert care from physicians internationally recognized for their leadership in research and innovative treatments.](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/specialty-centers-and-programs/arch-center/programs-and-services/infectious-diseases) - 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[FETAL Center The FETAL Center helps families and their babies overcome even the most complex prenatal conditions, by diagnosing health issues before birth, creating a comprehensive birth plan and assembling specialized teams to care for babies once they’re born](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/specialty-centers-and-programs/fetal-neonatal/continuum-of-care-programs/fetal-evaluation-and-treatment-alliance) - [Pediatric Infectious Diseases Program Expert care from physicians internationally recognized for their leadership in research and innovative treatments.](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/specialty-centers-and-programs/arch-center/programs-and-services/infectious-diseases) - [Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nationally recognized for excellence, the Level IV NICU at Children’s Health℠ has a comprehensive team including renowned neonatologists from UT Southwestern that delivers expert care and compassionate treatment for your baby.](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/specialty-centers-and-programs/fetal-neonatal/continuum-of-care-programs/level-iv-nicu) - 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Pneumonia in children (pneu·​mo·​nia) occurs when the lungs swell and fill with fluid due to an infection. Overview Pediatric pneumonia is a general term for any lung infection. It typically begins when an infection affecting the upper respiratory system (nose, throat and airways) moves into the lungs, causing them to swell with fluid. Pneumonia can impact one or both lungs, and be located at the top or bottom of a child’s lung. If left untreated, it can be extremely dangerous and lead to serious complications like respiratory failure (organs will not receive oxygen), [sepsis](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/sepsis-meningitis) or the infection can spread to other areas. ### Risk factors Infants (birth to 1 year) and toddlers (1 to 3 years) are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia, as they are still building their immune systems. Types ## What are the different types of pneumonia in children? **There are four types of pneumonia:** 1. Bacterial pneumonia - [streptococcus](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/streptococcus) pneumonia or bacterial bronchitis 2. Fungal pneumonia - pulmonary aspergilloma, invasive aspergillosis or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis 3. Parasitic pneumonia - ascariasis (a round worm), schistosoma (flatworms also known as blood flukes) and toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis, typically associated with cats) 4. Viral pneumonia - [the flu](https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/6-non-medical-remedies-for-the-flu) or [respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)](https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/rsv-in-infants) Signs and Symptoms ## What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia in children? Children will experience pneumonia symptoms differently than adults — they may not have symptoms or they can be subtle. Signs will also vary with age and cause of the pneumonia. **Symptoms in infants (birth to 1 year)** - [Cough](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/chronic-cough) with phlegm (thick mucus) or blood - Crying more than usual - Cyanosis (bluish or gray color lips and fingernails) - Decreased activity - [Dehydration](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/dehydration) - Difficulty breathing (belly breaths, flaring nostrils, gasping, rapid breaths, short breaths, visible sucking in of skin by the ribs) - Irritable - Lethargic (extremely and unusually tired) - Pale coloring - Poor feeding or refusal to eat - Sleeping troubles or sleeping more than normal - [Vomiting](https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/nausea-vomiting) or spitting up **Symptoms in children 1 year and older** - Chest pain, especially when coughing - Chills or sweating - Cough with phlegm (thick mucus) or blood - Crying more than usual - Cyanosis (bluish or gray color lips and fingernails) - Decreased activity - Difficulty breathing - Fatigue (tired) - Fever - Loss of appetite - Stuffy nose - Vomiting - Wheezing Causes ## What are the causes of pneumonia in children? Pediatric pneumonia can be caused by a bacteria, virus, fungus or parasites (in rare occasions). Bacteria and viruses are the main causes of pneumonia infections.