Early signs of pneumonia in newborns

Pneumonia in newborns is not like pneumonia in older children, whose typical signs are high fever, heavy coughing and a "wheezing" sound when listening to the back. Because a newborn's airways are not yet fully developed, symptoms are often unclear and easily missed. Content reviewed by Dr. Nguyen Thanh Duy (Specialist Level I) - Founder of Care For Kids Paediatric Clinic.

Here are the most common symptoms of pneumonia in newborns:

- Mild fever.

- Cough with phlegm.

- Wheezing, fast breathing (count breaths while your baby is lying still; in newborns, breathing is considered fast when the rate is >60 breaths/minute)

- Difficulty breathing, most easily seen as chest indrawing (see the picture below)

- Frequent fussiness and crying.

- Refusing to feed or feeding poorly.

- Pauses in breathing (apnoea) or turning blue, especially in premature babies.

Parents should keep a close eye on their baby to spot early signs such as fever, refusing to feed or fast breathing… and take the baby to a medical facility straight away for prompt examination and treatment, to avoid serious complications that could be fatal.

Pneumonia is a dangerous illness that needs prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you notice any of the signs above in your baby, contact a doctor immediately to get the right help and treatment!

References:

• Children's Hospital (Nhi Dong)

• Vietnam Vaccine JSC