Pneumonitis in children
Pneumonitis (pneu·mo·ni·tis) in children occurs when the lung tissue is inflamed – typically due to a virus.
What is pneumonitis in children?
Pneumonitis is inflammation (swelling) of the tissue of a child’s lungs. The inflammation occurs when an irritant enters the lungs. In most cases, these are inflammatory conditions that are not contagious.
If your child has this condition, it is important that they receive treatment to avoid scarring of the lungs (known as fibrosis), which can result from untreated pneumonitis.
What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonitis in children?
Signs and symptoms of pneumonitis may include:
Decreased appetite
Dry cough
Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
Shortness of breath
What are the causes of pneumonitis in children?
Causes of pneumonitis are varied, and include:
Bacteria
Certain antibiotics
Exposure to bird feathers or feces
High doses of aspirin
Mold
Some chemotherapy drugs
Certain medications that are used to regulate heartbeat
History of radiation therapy to the chest or whole body