Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by different types of germs.

Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt and this CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE is presented by TexCare – connecting Texas families with children’s health insurance for 18 dollars a month or less.

Symptoms of pneumonia vary, depending upon the age of the child and the cause of the illness.

Some common signs are:  fever, chills, rapid or labored breathing, vomiting, or chest pain.

Doctors usually make the diagnosis of pneumonia after a physical exam and possibly a chest x-ray, and sometimes bacterial cultures of mucus produced by coughing.

In many cases pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics. Infants may have to be hospitalized.

There are vaccines against some viruses and bacteria that cause some types of  pneumonia.

This CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE is presented by TexCare —reminding you that no child should be without health insurance. Call 1-800-647-6558 to apply.

And join me next time for The CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE.