what can i do to prevent my 7mo. old son on having pneumonia again?

Question

he had pneumonia and was treated in the hospital last week,

Answer 1

is your son using any breathing material like nebulizers? once in a while you have to change those mask, tubing, baffle -- everything. anything with moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria (that causes pneumonia). that's number 1.

is your son always congested in the lungs? did his doctor teach you any effective ways to help clear up his lungs? like effective coughing? because when the congestion stays there and not expectorated = also a breeding ground for bacteria.

pneumonia is infection in the lungs basically. infection is caused by bacteria. so try to keep him in a safe environment. and also if he's been having dry cough, a humidifier in the room will help humidify his lungs, making it easier to expel the secretions. drink plenty of fluids of course...

Answer 2

Because many bacterial pneumonias occur in patients who are first infected with the influenza virus, yearly vaccination against influenza can decrease the risk of pneumonia for the elderly and people with chronic diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, kidney disease and cancer. Maintaining a healthy diet that includes whole foods and vitamin C and B-complex vitamins will aid in prevention. Also helpful in terms of both good health and prevention of pneumonia is developing a regular exercise regimen, as well as reducing stress. A specific vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae is very protective, and should also be administered to patients with chronic illnesses. Patients who have decreased immune resistance are at higher risk for infection with Pneumocystis carinii. They are frequently put on a regular drug regimen of Trimethoprim sulfa and/or inhaled pentamidine to avoid Pneumocystis pneumonia.

Answer 3

Many, of not most, of the below answers so far offer at least SOME decent advice (e.g., no smoking!), and as an Allergist-Immunologist I can sure tell you that the comment about the child's immune system is salient and important if there ever ARE subsequent episodes. BOTTOM LINE; Each/any child gets ONE pneumonia "for free" -- if there's a 2nd or subsequent episode, an immunity work-up for an immunodeficiency state is MANDATORY !!!!

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

Stop smoking. Smoking makes it more likely you will get pneumonia.
Avoid contact with people who have respiratory tract infections, such as colds and influenza (flu). Pneumonia may develop after these types of infections.
If you have not had measles or chickenpox, avoid contact with people who have these infections. Pneumonia can be a complication of measles and chickenpox, so getting these infections can put you at risk for developing pneumonia.

Answer 5

I agree with everyone's answers like avoiding smoke and environmental things...however...You also want to make sure that you are holding your baby upright when feeding so the baby doesn't choke or cough which leads to the food/milk to go down into the lungs (aspiration) which in turn can cause pneumonia.

Answer 6

You should be asking his pediatrician this question. Find out what caused it to start with to prevent it from happening again. He may just have a weak immune system but his doc should be able to help with this.

Answer 7

Put him in a bubble. No, seriously... no smoking around the baby, keep the house cool and dry, keep those with coughs away, and stay healthy yourself. To do that, drink honey with your tea. It is a natural antiseptic.

Answer 8

plenty of fluids....feed him slightly sitting up(to prevent fluid going down the wrong way)...avoid any respiratory irritants (smoke, heavy perfumes/cologne) for a while...take the antibiotics as perscribed...i cant think of anything else right now sorry! stimulating cough reflex to cough up the sputum.....

Answer 9

I would suggest asking a health care professional, they could give you some suggestions as to preventative measures you can take.

Answer 10

Keep him on the breast; give him water; and DON'T give him dairy (cow's milk or any other animal milk). The dairy can spark allergies which weaken immune and respiratory systems.