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Get the latest advice about treatment and how to prevent this lung infection. [LEARN MORE](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/) - [1What Is Pneumonia? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/) - [2Pneumonia Symptoms and Causes](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/signs/) - [3Pneumonia Treatment and Prevention](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/treatment/) - [4Pneumonia in Children](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/children/) [SEE MORE](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/) # Pneumonia in Children  Katrina Wittkamp/Getty Images By [Mary Elizabeth Dallas](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/mary-elizabeth-dallas/) Updated on October 18, 2022 Medically Reviewed by [Kacy Church, MD](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/kacy-church/) ON THIS PAGE - [Mild Pneumonia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/children/#mild-pneumonia) - [Moderate Pneumonia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/children/#moderate-pneumonia) - [Severe Pneumonia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/children/#severe-pneumonia) - [Pneumonia in Newborns and Infants](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/children/#pneumonia-in-newborns-and-infants) - [Treating Pneumonia in Children](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/children/#treating-pneumonia-in-children) [Pneumonia]() ON THIS PAGE - [Mild Pneumonia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/children/#mild-pneumonia) - [Moderate Pneumonia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/children/#moderate-pneumonia) - [Severe Pneumonia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/children/#severe-pneumonia) - [Pneumonia in Newborns and Infants](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/children/#pneumonia-in-newborns-and-infants) - [Treating Pneumonia in Children](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/children/#treating-pneumonia-in-children) According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia claims the life of a child every 43 seconds and accounts for 14 percent of all deaths of children under age 5. ([1](https://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs331/en/)) While 99 percent of pneumonia-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, it’s still important to recognize how the symptoms show up in children. Unlike adults, children who have pneumonia may not experience a nagging cough or fever, and may have signs of infection that are much more subtle. They also are at greater risk of contracting the disease because their immune systems aren’t fully developed. “While most healthy children can fight the infection with their natural defenses, children whose immune systems are compromised are at higher risk of developing pneumonia,” according to the WHO. “A child’s immune system may be weakened by malnutrition or undernourishment, especially in infants who are not exclusively breast-fed.” (1) Overall, pneumonia symptoms vary according to age, but there are a number of clues that can help you recognize when your child has more than a bad cold. “Age makes a big difference, as well as a person’s immune status … and, of course, the symptoms themselves,” which often mimic those of a cold or flu, says [Marie Budev, MD](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/3164-marie-budev), a pulmonologist and the medical director of the lung transplant program at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. [Michelle Barron, MD](https://som.ucdenver.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/8603), the senior medical director of infection prevention and control at University of Colorado in Denver, agrees that being young and in good health doesn’t mean you’re immune to pneumonia — just the opposite, in fact. “There’s an interesting paradox where if you’re young and healthy, your immune system can go into overload,” says Dr. Barron. “Your immune system is like an elite military constantly guarding you and looking for things. If they recognize invaders, they attack.” When there’s a “big immune-system response,” chemicals released to fight the infection can cause severe inflammation throughout the body and potential organ damage. “Your body can control the response most of the time,” says Barron. “But, if not, you can end up with collateral damage.” Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms may vary by individual from mild to severe with any type. However, in general, here are the causes and [symptoms of pneumonia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/symptoms/) that most children in the United States experience. ## Mild Pneumonia in Children Pneumonia that is caused by certain bacteria, including *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* and *Chlamydophila pneumoniae*, usually results in milder symptoms, even in children. ([2](https://www.cdc.gov/mycoplasma/),[3](https://www.cdc.gov/cpneumoniae/)) This type of pneumonia, known as atypical or walking pneumonia, is prevalent among school-age children. Children with walking pneumonia may not feel sick enough to stay home, but they could have the following symptoms: - Dry cough - Low-grade fever - Headache - Tiredness *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* is responsible for about 2 to 20 percent of all adult cases of pneumonia, but the rate is even higher among school-age children. An estimated 2 million *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* infections occur each year in the United States, and it’s the most common cause of pneumonia in school-age children. ([4](https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=walking-pneumonia-in-children-160-52)) That’s because the bacteria that can cause walking pneumonia — which most often develops in late summer and fall — spread from person to person. Outbreaks clearly can occur within groups that have close contact, such as schools or camps, and kids who are exposed to these germs while they’re at school often bring the illness home. *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* infections can cause a number of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, skin rash, cough, and ear infections. Fortunately, *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* infections respond well to [antibiotic treatment](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/treatment/), and they are rarely serious. People who have had the infection develop some level of immunity, but a subsequent infection is possible. ## Moderate Pneumonia in Children Viruses cause most cases of pneumonia in preschool children between ages 4 and 5. ([5](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21242753)) Affected children will usually have symptoms that are also associated with other viruses, such as: - Sore throat - Cough - Low-grade fever - Nasal congestion - Diarrhea - Loss of appetite - Tiredness or lack of energy ## Severe Pneumonia in Children Bacterial pneumonia is more common among school-age children and teens. ([6](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2795279/)) These [types of pneumonia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/) often develop more abruptly than a cold or virus and result in more dramatic symptoms, such as: - High fever - Sweating or chills - Flushed skin - A bluish tint to the lips or nail beds - Wheezing - Difficulty breathing ## Pneumonia in Newborns and Infants Newborns and infants may not show typical signs of pneumonia infection. It may also be difficult to determine if toddlers have the illness because they may not be able to communicate how they feel as well as an older child can. Still, the following symptoms can indicate that a baby or young child may have pneumonia: - Looking pale - Being limp or lethargic - Crying more than usual - Feeding poorly - Being irritable or restless - Vomiting ## Medical Attention for Children With Pneumonia Children who have been recently hospitalized, use antibiotics frequently, have asthma or another chronic illness, or haven’t been fully vaccinated against certain illnesses — rubeola (measles), chickenpox, [pertussis (whooping cough)](https://www.everydayhealth.com/whooping-cough/guide/), *Haemophilus influenzae* type B (Hib) infections, or the [seasonal flu](https://www.everydayhealth.com/flu/guide/) — are at greater risk for developing pneumonia. A child who hasn’t been vaccinated with Prevnar 13 (PCV13) is also more likely to get pneumonia. ([7](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/index.html)) The only way to know for sure if a child has pneumonia is to see a doctor. A pediatrician or family medicine doctor can check for inflammation in your child’s lungs using a stethoscope or [X-rays](https://www.everydayhealth.com/x-ray/guide/). By paying attention to early pneumonia symptoms in children, parents may be able to avoid a trip to the emergency room. Still, pneumonia can progress very quickly among children, particularly infants and those with underlying medical conditions. Two key signs that a child requires immediate [medical attention](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/treatment/) are: - Flaring of the nostrils while breathing - Using the muscles below and between the ribs and above the collarbone to aid in breathing Young children with pneumonia will breathe fast. Doctors say you can see their belly muscles working hard to help them breathe. If your child is breathing fast, it’s best to take them to the emergency room. *Additional reporting by* [*George Vernadakis*](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/george-vernadakis/) ## Trusted Resources [American Lung Association](https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/diagnosing-and-treating.html)[FamilyDoctor.org](https://familydoctor.org/condition/pneumonia/)[American Academy of Pediatrics](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Pneumonia.aspx)[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/public/index.html)[American Thoracic Society](https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/what-is-pneumonia.pdf) [World Pneumonia Day](https://stoppneumonia.org/)[KidsHealth](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pneumonia.html)[Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4471-pneumonia)[National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/pneumonia)[ClinicalTrials.gov](https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?fund=0&fund=1&recr=Open&term=Pneumonia+OR+pneumonia) Meet Our Experts [See Our Editorial Policy](https://www.everydayhealth.com/editorial-policies/) [Meet Our Health Expert Network](https://www.everydayhealth.com/health-expert-network/)   #### Kacy Church, MD ##### Medical Reviewer [Castle Connolly Top Doctor](https://www.everydayhealth.com/mra/castle-connolly-top-doctors/) Kacy Church, MD, practices as a clinical endocrinologist with the [Palo Alto Medical Foundation](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-kacy-a-church-1046245955) in Burlingame, California. She balances both outpatient and inpatient responsibilities, seeing a variety of patients with diabetes, as well as thyroid and pituitary disorders. Dr. Church always knew that she wanted to pursue endocrinology because the specialty allows for healthy change through patient empowerment. She completed her fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism in 2017 at Stanford University in California. She loves running, dancing, and watching her sons play sports. [See full bio](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/kacy-church/)   #### Mary Elizabeth Dallas ##### Author Mary Elizabeth Dallas is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience who specializes in health news and feature stories. She covers public health issues, including microbial stewardship, immunizations, obesity, allergies and asthma, diabetes, heart disease, pediatric health and behavior, and autism spectrum disorders. Her work has appeared on numerous websites, including HealthDay, KidsHealth, Healthgrades, and Baby Gooroo. Before pursuing a freelance career, Dallas was a news writer and producer working in the newsrooms of CNN and Bloomberg News where she wrote and produced live news that focused on the state of the global economy. Dallas conducted extensive research for ABC's *20/20*. She wrote and supervised the production of documentaries for The History Channel, including a 24-part series that chronicled the last 24 weeks of WWII. After growing up on Philadelphia's Main Line, Dallas currently lives in Westchester County, NY, with her family. Dallas is an avid tennis player. When she is not researching and writing, you can often find her on the court. [See full bio](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/mary-elizabeth-dallas/) [See Our Editorial Policy](https://www.everydayhealth.com/editorial-policies/) [Meet Our Health Expert Network](https://www.everydayhealth.com/health-expert-network/)   Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter\! EDITORIAL SOURCES Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our [editorial policy](https://www.everydayhealth.com/editorial-policies/). We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions. Sources Additional Sources 1. Pneumonia. [World Health Organization](https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/pneumonia). November 11, 2021. 2. Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infections. [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/mycoplasma/). August 24, 2022. 3. Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection. [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/cpneumoniae/). November 15, 2021. 4. Walking Pneumonia in Children. [Stanford Medicine Children’s Health](https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=walking-pneumonia-in-children-160-52). 5. Gonzalez JA, Perez JM, Asensio DT, et al. Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Preschool Children: Viral Coinfection Does Not Worsen Clinical Outcome. [*The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal*](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21242753). February 2011. 6. Davies HD. Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Children. [*Paediatrics & Child Health*](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2795279/). December 2003. 7. Pneumococcal Vaccination. [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/index.html). January 27, 2022. **Additional Sources** - Stuckey-Schrock K, Hayes BL, George CM. Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Children. [*American Family Physician*](https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2012/1001/p661.html). October 2012. RELATED ARTICLES [See all in Pneumonia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/?view=all "See all in Pneumonia") [Pneumonia Symptoms and Causes](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/signs/)  PneumoniaPneumonia Symptoms and Causes Medically Reviewed by Michael S. Niederman, MD \| Mar 16, 2026 [Cold or Flu? How to Tell the Difference](https://www.everydayhealth.com/flu/guide/)  Cold & FluCold or Flu? 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They also are at greater risk of contracting the disease because their immune systems aren’t fully developed. “While most healthy children can fight the infection with their natural defenses, children whose immune systems are compromised are at higher risk of developing pneumonia,” according to the WHO. “A child’s immune system may be weakened by malnutrition or undernourishment, especially in infants who are not exclusively breast-fed.” (1) Overall, pneumonia symptoms vary according to age, but there are a number of clues that can help you recognize when your child has more than a bad cold. “Age makes a big difference, as well as a person’s immune status … and, of course, the symptoms themselves,” which often mimic those of a cold or flu, says [Marie Budev, MD](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/3164-marie-budev), a pulmonologist and the medical director of the lung transplant program at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. [Michelle Barron, MD](https://som.ucdenver.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/8603), the senior medical director of infection prevention and control at University of Colorado in Denver, agrees that being young and in good health doesn’t mean you’re immune to pneumonia — just the opposite, in fact. “There’s an interesting paradox where if you’re young and healthy, your immune system can go into overload,” says Dr. Barron. “Your immune system is like an elite military constantly guarding you and looking for things. If they recognize invaders, they attack.” When there’s a “big immune-system response,” chemicals released to fight the infection can cause severe inflammation throughout the body and potential organ damage. “Your body can control the response most of the time,” says Barron. “But, if not, you can end up with collateral damage.” Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms may vary by individual from mild to severe with any type. However, in general, here are the causes and [symptoms of pneumonia](https://www.everydayhealth.com/pneumonia/guide/symptoms/) that most children in the United States experience.