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What Causes Bacterial Pneumonia In An Infant?

Posted on Sat, 24 Dec 2016

Question: My friend's wife delivered a baby girl couple of days back and it was a normal delivery on 40th week. But very next day of delivery Pediatrician advised NICU for the baby stating breathing issues. Later it was found that the baby is having bacterial Pneumonia and antibiotics are given and baby is now recovering and still in NICU. Tomorrow they are planning to take an X-Ray of the lungs. I have below questions:

1. What could be the reason for the baby to get Pneumonia?
2. Is it ok to expose such a small baby for the XRay?
3. How long it might take for the baby to recover from it completely?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestions on pneumonia in newborn

Detailed Answer:
Hi....I understand your concern.

From the information I get from what you have quoted, I understand that the baby has got a lower respiratory infection - either bacterial or viral.

Coming to your queries now -

1. Reason for pneumonia in the baby could be droplet infection after birth or infection in the maternal genitourinary tract or aspiration of meconium.

2. It is safe to take an x-ray and it is necessary too.

3. The time of recovery depends on severity of infection. Usually antibiotics are required for a minimum of 7 days.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad