Causes of Pneumonia in Babies

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, coughing, breathing difficulties, fatigue, poor appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Pneumonia can either be viral or bacterial and often occurs after some type of respiratory infection.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Babies between the ages of 2 to 3 months sometimes develop pneumonia when they have the RSV infection. Premature infants are particularly susceptible to RSV and pneumonia.

Other Causes of Viral Pneumonia

Other causes of viral pneumonia include the parainfluenza virus, the flu virus and adenovirus.

Group B Streptococcus

Young babies may also develop pneumonia if they are infected with group Bb streptococcus. Group B streptococcus may be transmitted to the baby during a vaginal birth if the mother has the bacteria present in her body.

Other Causes of Bacterial Pneumonia

Other bacteria that may cause pneumonia include streptococcus pneumoniae, staphylococcus aureus and chlamydia pneumoniae.

Treatment

Bacterial pneumonia is usually more severe that viral pneumonia. It is treated with antibiotics and may require hospitalization. Viral pneumonia is treated with fluids and rest.

References

• Baby Center: Pneumonia