6 common complications of pneumonia

Pneumonia is one of the dangerous respiratory illnesses when the weather turns cold. It is the leading cause of death in children under 5, especially newborns. Knowing the essentials about this illness will make it easier for you to protect your child. Content reviewed by Dr Nguyễn Thanh Duy (Specialist Level I), founder of Care For Kids Paediatric Clinic.

Pneumonia in newborns can range from mild to severe. In dangerous cases, it can lead to the following serious complications:

Meningitis:

• When pneumonia becomes severe, bacteria attack aggressively and baby's body doesn't have enough resistance to fight back.
• If left untreated for long, it can leave irreversible after-effects: neurological disorders, permanent brain damage, blindness, deafness, reduced motor ability...

Sepsis (blood infection):

• Bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis and complications such as septic shock. If baby isn't treated early, it can be fatal.

Pneumothorax:

• With pneumonia, a complication that ruptures the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs causes pneumothorax, which is often accompanied by empyema (pus in the pleural space).

Pleural effusion:

• This is a dangerous complication that makes it hard for your child to breathe, raises the white blood cell count and marks the start of drug resistance.

Rickets and poor growth:

• Prolonged pneumonia stops your child eating and sleeping well, leading to poor appetite, malnutrition, poor growth and weakened resistance.

Antibiotic resistance

• If baby develops this complication, it is very hard to treat. Several antibiotics then have to be combined, treatment is costly and the chance of recovery is lower.

If the symptoms of pneumonia in newborns are spotted and treated promptly and correctly, there is no need to worry. However, if it isn't diagnosed early, it can leave your child with dangerous complications. So if you notice any unusual symptoms in your child, pay attention and take them to the doctor as soon as possible!

References:

• Children's Hospital (Nhi Đồng)

• Vietnam Vaccine JSC