Abdominal Pain & Pneumonia in Children

Pneumonia in children is often accompanied by abdominal symptoms. Pneumonia is a serious medical condition that should be evaluated by a doctor.

Types

• Your child may have either bacterial or viral pneumonia. Both lead to a lung infection.

Effects

• Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include a sudden onset of symptoms such as high fever, weakness, coughing and difficulty breathing. Children may also vomit and have diarrhea. Viral pneumonia begins with cold symptoms that progressively get worse. Symptoms of viral pneumonia include fever of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea.

Considerations

• Pneumonia may not always cause breathing problems. If the affected area of the lungs is the near the bottom portion of the lungs, the primary symptom may be upper abdominal pain instead.

Identification

• Pneumonia can be diagnosed at a physician's office during an exam. X-rays, blood tests and nasal swabs may be used to diagnose which type of pneumonia is affecting the child.

Treatment

• Physicians treat bacterial pneumonia antibiotics. Physicians recommend extra fluids and rest for those children suffering from viral pneumonia. Tylenol and cough medication may also be recommended.