Pneumonia

OK, as I disclaimer, please note that I am not a doctor and any advice I provide should be discussed with a medical professional. Nonetheless, with two sons who both developed respiratory problems at a young age, I feel I have developed a lot of insight in this area. First off, it is important to understand your toddler's medical history. Did she have any respiratory issues as an infant (i.e. RSV or another respiratory virus, previous diagnoses of bronchial problems). Assuming there is any significant history, I think your daughter most likely needs to: a) be on a preventative regime which I will describe in more detail below; and b) consult with an allergist who specializes in asthma and/or a pulminory specialist. Regarding my first recommendation, my five-year-old son (who has had numerous respiratory issues and was a day care baby) found immediate relief once he went on preventative medicine. He takes Pulmicort with a nebulizer (originally .5 but now .25) preventatively from September to about May every morning. He has had even greater relief once we consulted with an allergist and he added Singulair to his regime. He now does .25 of Pulmicort and one Singulair every night (I forget the dosage). He has only had one cold so far this season, from which he recovered very quickly. When he has a cold he adds a medicine called Xopenex (similar to Albuterol but makes him less hyper) about 3-4 times a day. Please note that my younger guy (25 months) had RSV at 5 months, but does not appear to be developing as many respiratory issues. Therefore, at this stage we are not doing anything preventatively, but when he develops a cough we give him a lower dose of Xopenex (I think its .68)as needed 3-4 times a day with the nebulizer until the cough is gone. I hope this helps.

I DO NOT WANT TO BE AN ALARMIST, BUT....
I wonder if there is a chance you could have something in your new home that your daughter is allergic to?? OR is there a possibility there could be black mole somewhere in the home. I know that can cause repiratory problems.
Another thought is a Christmas tree. I have several friends who have been telling me theri child is getting a bad cough, needing antibiotics and the neb. and it is not getting better. They are finding it is becasue their child is reacting to the pine in the house.
I hope your daughter feels better soon.
Have a wonderful holiday~

Hi, L.! My name is J. B. My son is almost 14mos and he has had pneumonia three times- unfortunately. While it is a serious infection as long as your little one is eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom you should be ok. There are two different types of pneumonia bacterial and viral. As with any virus antibiotics will not do anything. Honestly your pediatrician sounds like he is doing everything right. The steroids will help open her airway and make it easier for her to breathe. Just follow through with everything. The pnuemonia will make her tired and weak for a while even after it is cleared up. Typically pneumonia isnt contagious, but as with anything it is possible. If you have any specific questions about nebulizers, inhalers, or anything else for that matter feel free to message me back. Hope you have a wonderful holiday. Good luck with everything.

Hi L., I am sorry to hear your baby girl isn't feeling well. I wasn't really sure what pneumonia was either but you got me wondering and i googled it and found this website:

http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_vir...

It seemed to give a pretty good idea of what is was, and what causes it.

It mentions that the viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia are contagious. It is passed from fluid from the nose or mouth of the infected person, so I would be careful as far as your other daughter is concerned.

The article also states that u shouldn't try to push food while the child is sick, but to make sure that you do push fluids.

From what I have read it sounds like if you give the medications your doctor perscribes it shouldn't last more than 2 weeks, so hopefully it will be over soon.

Hope this helps, and that she is feeling better soon.
C.