Home | | Paediatrics | Paediatrics: Pneumonia treatment

Chapter: Paediatrics: Respiratory medicine

Paediatrics: Pneumonia treatment

Oral antibiotics are safe and effective in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.

Pneumonia: treatment

 

Oral antibiotics are safe and effective in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia. IV antibiotics are used in children who cannot absorb oral antibiotics or in those with severe symptoms. The specific choice of antibiotic is based on the following:

·  Age of the child.

 

·  Host factors.

 

·  Severity of illness.

 

·  Information about cultures if known.

 

·  CXR findings if known.

 

Antibiotic therapy for pneumonia

 

Under 5yrs

 

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most likely pathogen. The causes of atypical pneumonia are Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia tracho-matis

·  First-line treatment: amoxicillin

 

·  Alternatives: co-amoxiclav or cefaclor for typical pneumonia; erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin for atypical pneumonia Over 5yrs

 

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is more common in this age group

 

·  First-line treatment: amoxicillin is effective against the majority of pathogens, but consider macrolide antibiotics if mycoplasma or chlamydia is suspected

 

·  Alternatives: if Staphylococcus aureus is suspected consider using a macrolide, or a combination of flucloxacillin with amoxicillin

 

Severe pneumonia

 

Co-amoxiclav, cefotaxime, or cefuroxime IV

 

Supportive therapies

 

Consider whether any of the following are needed:

·  Antipyretics for fever.

·  IV fluids: consider if dehydrated or not drinking.

 

·  Supplemental oxygen: administer oxygen via headbox or nasal cannulae so that SpO2 is maintained >92%.

·  Chest drain: for fluid or pus collections in the chest, as in empyema.

 

Physiotherapy

Chest physiotherapy is generally not beneficial in children with pneumonia and should not be performed.

 

 

Study Material, Lecturing Notes, Assignment, Reference, Wiki description explanation, brief detail
Paediatrics: Respiratory medicine : Paediatrics: Pneumonia treatment |


Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, DMCA Policy and Compliant

Copyright © 2018-2024 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.