Bronchopneumonia in Children: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, and Possible Complications

Bronchopneumonia is one type of pneumonia where inflammation or infection occurs in the bronchial areas (small branches of the respiratory tract) and lung tissues, caused by bacterial, viral, or other infections. This condition is common in children and can occur in all age groups, but it is more prevalent in younger children. The disease accounts for about 85% of all respiratory system diseases in children under the age of two. Pneumonia in children, overall, is responsible for over 800,000 deaths worldwide each year, according to UNICEF data. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and potential complications of bronchopneumonia in children.

Causes of Bronchopneumonia in Children

1. Bacterial and Viral Infections.
The following bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of bronchopneumonia, categorized by age:

• Birth-21 days: Streptococcus Group B, E Coli, Listeria Monocytogenes
• 3 weeks - 3 months: Chlamydia trachomatis, Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Adeno Virus, Influenza Virus, Parainfluenza Virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• 4 months - 5 years: Chlamydia Pneumoniae, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Haemophilus Influenza, Adeno Virus, Influenza Virus, Parainfluenza Virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• 6 years - adolescence: Chlamydia Pneumoniae, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, Streptococcus Pneumoniae

2. Aspiration of Fluid or Foreign Objects:

• Children who aspirate fluid or swallow foreign objects may develop bronchopneumonia if the fluid or object reaches the respiratory tract.

3. Weak Immune System:

• Children with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to bronchopneumonia infections.

Symptoms of Bronchopneumonia in Children

1. Persistent Cough: A cough that does not improve or worsens is often referred to as chronic recurrent cough in the medical world and can be a sign of bronchopneumonia.

2. Shortness of Breath: Children with bronchopneumonia may experience rapid, shallow breathing, sitting in a more comfortable position with knees supported, and a breathing pattern that becomes rapid and short, or, in severe cases, breath may stop.

3. Fever: Fever is considered when a child is warm, or ideally, when there is a body temperature rise above 38°C measured with a thermometer. This is one of the common symptoms of bronchopneumonia.

4. Chest Pain: Children may experience pain or discomfort in the chest when breathing or coughing.

5. Noisy Breathing: Unusual breathing sounds, such as "rattling," wheezing, or whistling, can be a sign of bronchopneumonia.

6. Fatigue and Lack of Energy: Children may appear weak, tired, and lacking in energy.

 

Treatment of Bronchopneumonia in Children

1. Antibiotics or Antivirals: If the cause is bacterial, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If it is viral, antiviral treatment may be necessary.

2. Fluid and Nutrition Administration: It is important to keep the child hydrated and provide adequate nutrition by following the "4 healthy 5 perfect" guidelines to aid the healing process.

3. Fever-Reducing and Analgesic Medications: Administering fever-reducing and analgesic medications can help alleviate symptoms such as fever and pain.

4. Adequate Rest: Children need sufficient rest to recover energy and expedite the healing process.

5. Medical Monitoring: It is crucial to regularly monitor the child's disease progression and contact the doctor again if there are changes in symptoms or concerns from the parents.

Possible Complications

 

Untreated bronchopneumonia in children can lead to various complications, including:

1. Lung Abscess: Untreated infection can result in the formation of a lung abscess, a pocket filled with pus within the lungs.

2. Pleural Effusion: Lung infection can cause the accumulation of fluid between the layers of the pleura membrane covering the lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing.

3. Sepsis: If bacterial infection spreads to the bloodstream, it can cause a serious condition called sepsis, leading to septic shock, organ failure, and life-threatening conditions.

4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Severe and frequent bronchopneumonia can damage lung tissue, leaving the lungs with impaired function and causing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in adulthood.

5. Cardiovascular Complications: Severe infection can affect the cardiovascular system, causing issues such as inflammation of blood vessels or heart failure.

6. Pneumothorax: Lung infection and inflammation can lead to air accumulation between the pleura and the lungs, causing pneumothorax (lung leakage).

7. Long-term Lung Disease: Frequent or severe bronchopneumonia in childhood can leave the lungs vulnerable to infections and increase the risk of chronic lung diseases in adulthood.

8. Growth and Developmental Disorders: Prolonged complications and treatment can impact growth, reflected in declining weight or stunted growth, leading to developmental issues in physical, motor, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects.

Bronchopneumonia and its associated complications can generally be addressed with prompt and appropriate treatment to prevent more serious conditions. If you suspect your child is exhibiting symptoms of bronchopneumonia, promptly consult a doctor for evaluation and proper treatment.

 

Prevention of Bronchopneumonia in Children

Several preventive measures can be taken:

1. Immunization:
Ensure that the child receives recommended age-appropriate vaccinations. Vaccinations can help protect against diseases, including bronchopneumonia. The Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) is designed to provide protection against bacterial infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of bronchopneumonia in all age groups. PCV vaccination can reduce pneumonia care rates by 7-60% and decrease pneumonia-related deaths by 10-78%. The Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) recommends administering PCV at 2, 4, and 6 months with a booster at 12-15 months. PCV is currently part of the national immunization program.

2. Hand Hygiene:
Encourage regular handwashing with a 6

-step procedure before meals, after using the toilet, before breastfeeding, after activities, and especially after contact with sick individuals. This good habit helps prevent the spread of germs and diseases, including bronchopneumonia.

3. Avoid Exposure to Cigarette Smoke:
Keep children away from exposure to cigarette smoke, as it can cause irritation in the respiratory tract and increase the risk of infection.

4. Maintain Environmental Cleanliness:
Ensure a clean home environment, especially in the child's sleeping area. Avoid excessive dust by regularly cleaning household surfaces.

5. Limit Contact with Sick Individuals:
Restrict a child's contact with sick people, especially those with respiratory infections.

6. Ensure Nutrition and General Health:
Make sure the child receives adequate nutrition and has a strong immune system. Good nutrition can help the body fight infections.

Bronchopneumonia and its complications can be effectively managed with early intervention and proper care. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant for symptoms and seek medical help promptly. The preventive measures discussed above can reduce the risk of contracting and minimize the severity of bronchopneumonia.