Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. Pneumonia can affect people at any age. Babies and young children are at higher risk of getting pneumonia because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
Call 999 for urgent help if:
- Your child’s breathing pauses for more than 20 seconds. This is really important for young or premature babies, as it might be the only symptom.
- Your child has a fever and they are struggling to breathe. They may grunt or draw the muscles under their chest in when they breathe. This makes them look like they are breathing with their tummies.
- The colour of your baby's skin inside the lips or under the tongue turns blue.
We have more information about when to visit your doctor and when to call 999.
We also have information on pneumonia in adults.
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What is pneumonia in children?
Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It can affect one or both lungs. Your child may develop it after a cold or flu.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The symptoms of pneumonia in children will vary depending on the age of the child and the cause of the infection. On this page, we have information on symptoms in babies, toddlers and older children, and how pneumonia is diagnosed.
What are the treatments for pneumonia in children?
The treatment for pneumonia will depend on whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus. Many children can be cared for at home, but some may need to be treated in hospital.
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