pneumonia in kids six months- four year old

My project objective is to analyze the effects of disease on the function and structure of the respiratory system.

When you inhale oxygen, it travels through your windpipe, trachea, and lungs. From there, it passes through the bronchi and eventually reaches the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs surrounded by blood capillaries. At this point, oxygen diffuses through the thin walls of the alveoli and enters the blood vessels, where it gets distributed throughout the body. However, the air we breathe can also contain harmful microorganisms that can reach the alveoli and potentially multiply, causing a lung infection known as pneumonia. Our immune system activates its defense mechanisms to target these unwanted viruses when they occur. This response leads to inflammation of the air sacs and fluid accumulation, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the blood capillaries. As a result, children may experience breathing difficulties and other symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, and vomiting. To help prevent pneumonia in infants and children, it is good to encourage mothers to take care of their health and maintain a good, sanitized area. Doing so reduces the presence of viruses and bacteria around their children, lowering the risk of infection.

How does Pneumonia in children occur? 

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection mainly affecting children aged six months to four years. It is a leading cause of illness and hospitalization in this age group. Knowing what causes pneumonia, how to treat it, and how to prevent it is very important for keeping young children safe.

According to Dubinsky (“Pneumonia in Babies”), viruses and bacteria often cause pneumonia in children. Viral pneumonia is more common than bacterial pneumonia among young children, but both can be serious. One common virus that causes pneumonia is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Other viruses, like influenza, parainfluenza, and adenovirus, can also cause pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is usually caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), which can be dangerous.

Children are more likely to get pneumonia because their immune systems are still developing and their airways are smaller. According to Dubinsky (“Pneumonia in Babies”), a caregiver should look for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing, coughing, loss of appetite, unusual fussiness, weakness, and energy loss.  Risk factors include poor nutrition, exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, not breastfeeding, having heart disease, and having asthma.

According to (Dubinsky, “Pneumonia in Babies”), a physician can determine if a child has pneumonia by performing a few tests, such as a chest x-ray, blood work, and a nasal swab checking for RSV or influenza. After they confirm what the child has, the physician will take further steps. Treating pneumonia depends on how severe the illness is. Doctors usually provide supportive care for viral pneumonia, which means keeping the child hydrated, rested, and monitored closely. In more serious cases, the child may need to go to the hospital for oxygen therapy, perhaps using a nebulizer.

Doctors prescribe antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia. The choice of antibiotic depends on the child’s age, the severity of the infection, and the type of bacteria suspected. Common antibiotics include Amoxicillin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone. I remember when my daughter was six months old and had pneumonia; she was prescribed Amoxicillin, and it worked well for her.

Lastly, to help prevent a child from getting pneumonia, it is highly recommended by (“Pneumonia”)  that a child is up to date with vaccination, good nutrition, hygiene, and reducing environmental risks, which are important to prevent pneumonia. Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent pneumonia in children. Breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months helps strengthen a child’s immune system and provides important antibodies to fight infections. Good nutrition helps children recover faster from illness. Reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and indoor air pollution and practicing good hygiene, like washing hands regularly and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, can reduce the spread of germs that cause pneumonia.

Description of my project: 

I am creating a clay model representing the lungs, trachea, bronchi, and air spaces filled with fluid in the alveoli. I chose to work with clay because a three-dimensional model provides a better perspective on the anatomy and processes involved. The structure of the lungs, trachea, and bronchi is designed to showcase the pathway through which air travels. The alveoli are a central focus of my project, as they are where pus and fluids accumulate, leading to inflammation during an infection. I used vibrant purple to highlight the importance of the alveoli and green in the middle to represent the toxic fluid. I have displayed the model on a blackboard to enhance its presentation. Alongside the model, I included labels identifying each part and descriptions of the symptoms to watch out for in an infant. My objective with this project is to create an informative visual aid. 

Citation: 

“Pneumonia in Babies.” BabyCenter, 30 Jan. 2025, www.babycenter.com/health/illness-and-infection/pneumonia-in-babies_1195128.

WebMD Editorial Contributor. “What to Know About Pneumonia in Children.” WebMD, 4 Sept. 2023, www.webmd.com/children/what-to-know-about-pneumonia-in-children.

“Infection in the Newborn Baby.” BMJ, vol. 1, no. 4800, Jan. 1953, pp. 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.4800.1.