Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Most of the time, your doctor will order medicine to help your child get better.

What can you do?

• Give your child all of the medicine prescribed by the doctor, as often and in the amount directed, even if he seems to feel better.
• Do not give your child medicine to stop a cough, unless the doctor tells you to. Coughing helps to clear the lungs.
• Give your child aspirin-free medicine (Tylenol, Tempra, Panadol, Acetaminophen) for fever. Be sure to give these medicines as directed for your child's age and weight.
• Give your child fluids to drink, like water, juices, soft drinks, and Gatorade.
• Keep your child inside until fever is gone.
• Encourage quiet play.
• Do not let anyone smoke in the house or near the child.
• Take your child back to the doctor after finishing the antibiotics to make sure he is better.

Call or take your child to the doctor immediately if he:

• Is not keeping fluids down.
• Will not drink fluids.
• Starts to breathe very fast.
• Has a lot of trouble breathing.
• Says his chest is hurting worse.
• Turns blue.

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Information and links found on the UT Medical Group, Inc. web site are neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency call your healthcare provider immediately.