Pneumonia in newborns

[Couch Potatoe]

Pneumonia is an infection of the small air sacs of the lungs (alveoli) and the tissues around them.

This infection may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Newborns have various symptoms depending on when they are infected.
The diagnosis is based on a chest x-ray and the results of blood tests.
Antibiotics are given to treat the infection.

(See also Overview of Infections in Newborns and Overview of Pneumonia in adults.)
Pneumonia is the most common serious bacterial infection in newborns after sepsis. Pneumonia that begins at or within hours of birth is called early-onset pneumonia. Pneumonia that begins after 7 days of age is called late-onset pneumonia. Late-onset pneumonia most commonly occurs in newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) who need a breathing tube (endotracheal intubation—see Mechanical Ventilation) for lung problems. Having a breathing tube increases the risk of pneumonia.
Pneumonia may be caused by various organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, that get into the lungs. Newborns become infected after passing through the mother