What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses, including flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Young children and Alaska Native children in rural communities have some of the highest rates of pneumonia in the United States. Pneumonia needs medical treatment — it does not go away on its own.
What to watch for at home
- Cough: may be wet, productive, or harsh
- Fast breathing: count breaths for one full minute when your child is calm and not crying
- Working hard to breathe: look for chest retractions — skin pulling in between or under ribs, at the throat, or the belly moving more than usual
- Fever: often persistent, may be high
- Low energy: very tired, not wanting to eat or drink
- Grunting: a grunting sound with each breath is a serious sign
| Counting breaths — what is normal? Under 2 months: normal is up to 60 breaths per minute 2–12 months: normal is up to 50 breaths per minute 1–5 years: normal is up to 40 breaths per minute Count for a full minute when your child is calm. If breathing is faster than these numbers, call your provider. |
What you can do at home (while waiting for care)
- Keep your child upright: sitting up or slightly propped helps breathing
- Fluids: small amounts often — even a few sips every few minutes
- Fever medicine: acetaminophen or ibuprofen for comfort
- Do not: give cough medicine to children under 4 — it does not help and can cause harm
- Antibiotics: if your provider prescribes antibiotics, give every dose as directed even if your child seems better
| 📞 Call your provider if: Fast breathing (see counts above) Persistent fever over 3 days Not drinking fluids Getting worse instead of better Your child seems very sick | 🚨 Go to the ER immediately if: Struggling to breathe — retractions, grunting, nostrils flaring Blue or gray color around lips or fingertips Won’t wake up Breathing very fast AND very hard Limp or unresponsive |