5 things to know about pneumonia

According to KidsHealth, pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. When a person has pneumonia, the sacs in their lungs that normally fill up with air, fill up with pus and other fluids.

Using guidance from the American Lung Association and the Centers for Disease Control, Dr. Daniel Evans, division chief of pulmonary medicine at Dayton Children's, shares his advice for preventing and recognizing pneumonia.

1. Know the signs and symptoms of pneumonia

Pneumonia can be very serious. Symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Fever
• Wheezing
• Cough
• Chills
• Rapid breathing
• Chest pains
• Loss of appetite
• Malaise or a general feeling of weakness.

If your child experiences any signs or symptoms of pneumonia, call their primary care provider and seek advice, or take your child to an urgent care or emergency department.

2. Stay up-to-date on immunizations

The risk of pneumonia can be significantly decreased by having your child receive their recommended immunizations as well as getting their annual flu shot. Children under the age of 8 months can also get the RSV shot. Streptococcus pneumonia is the most common bacteria that causes pneumonia and is covered in routine immunizations during childhood. Many types of pneumonia follow a viral illness such as the flu and RSV.

3. Controlled asthma reduces the risk of pneumonia

Children who are at particular risk of developing pneumonia are children who have asthma. The better the asthma is controlled, the less likely the child will get pneumonia.

4. Minimize the exposure to secondhand smoke

Children exposed to secondhand smoke are also more likely to get pneumonia. If you must smoke, then smoking outside and changing your clothes after each cigarette will help minimize the exposure, but the best way to help your child stay well is to kick the habit. Nicotine addiction is strong so you may need help from your doctor to do so.

5. Good health habits help prevent illness and promote fast recovery

Washing your hands, following a healthy diet, getting adequate rest and regularly exercising are all habits that can help you from getting sick from bacteria, viruses and other causes of respiratory illnesses. Good health habits also promote fast recovery when you do get sick.