Pneumonia Symptoms in a Child

Pneumonia is a severe infection characterized by the presence of fluid in the lungs. According to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, pneumonia in children is "caused by bacteria, viruses or chemical irritants" and is treated by a prescribed combination of medications and diet. It is important for parents and caregivers to be familiar with the symptoms of pneumonia so affected children can receive proper and timely medical attention.

Cough and Wheezing

• Pneumonia in children is commonly accompanied by a dry or phlegm-producing cough that might become worse as the infection develops. In some cases, this cough is accompanied by wheezing and shortness of breath.

Chest and Stomach Pain

• Depending on the location of the inflammation in the lung, a child might experience pain in either his chest or abdomen.

Chills and Fever

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some sufferers experience "a single episode of shaking chills followed by fever." Other children might experience these symptoms independently or not at all.

Nausea and Vomiting

• Children with pneumonia might feel nauseous and experience vomiting or diarrhea. Children exhibiting these symptoms should be encouraged to drink liquids to avoid dehydration.

Fatigue

• A serious chest infection is likely to cause fatigue in even the most active child. When accompanied by other symptoms, a decreased activity level and greater need for sleep might be an indication of pneumonia.