A few weeks ago my little boy was sick with Pneumonitis that was an impression on his chest X-ray results. I was really worried about it and the first thing that came into my mind is Pneumonia which is said to be at high risk in babies, small children and older adults. What is the difference of Pnemonitis and Pnemonia? I try to do a research and I have found out that Pneumonitis is a general term defined as an inflammation of the lung tissue whereas Pnemonia is technically a type of pneumonitis because the infection causes inflammation. When they use the term “pneumonitis“, most doctors are referring to other causes of lung inflammation. Let me share what I have learned from my research.
Factors that can cause Pneumonitis
- Exposure to airborne irritants
- Inhaled chemicals
- Allergies
As I read the factors that can cause Pneumonitis, I tried to look back at the recent activities of my son before he got sick. He was playing clay dough. I bought him a Thomas and Friends Clay dough alphabet set online and I let him play that time. I think he has an allergy with the clay and he might also expose to viral airborne irritants.
Symptoms of Pneumonitis
- Cough
- Fever
- Malaise
- Dysponoea
- Fatigue
- Aches
Fever is the first symptom that I had observed from my little boy followed by cough. He also complains that the other side of his ear is painful. In his first check up, there is a light infection in his right ear and he gets better after a week. But then after few days he develop colds and cough. He has dry cough, on and off fever and it was the first time that my little boy has difficulty in coughing. His pediatrician referred to have X-ray test which we did. The X-ray findings said that Streaky densities are seen in both lower lobes and the impression is Pneumonitis.
Home Treatment
- Keep the surroundings at home clean.
- Avoid exposure to airborne irritants such as pollution, pollen, mold, dust and chemical fumes.
- Clean the Aircon filters regularly.
- Do not give cold and oily foods
- Drink warm water to relieve coughing spasms.
- Place a vaporizer or nebulizer in the bedroom at night.
- Use an air disinfectant that kills viruses.
The pediatrician prescribed medicine for my little boy to treat the Pneumonitis. She prescribed Klaz Clarithromycin to be taken three times a day. It may be taken with or without food. My little boy loves the strawberry flavor and works well on him. It is important to always consult your doctor or pediatrician before giving medicine to your child. Thanks to Dra. Rowena David for always being helpful to my child’s health condition.
After eight days, my son is not coughing anymore and he feels better but I continued to finish his medicine intake up to 10 days. Currently my little boy is actively playing but he has colds without cough anymore. I think it is allergies to the changing weather condition. Because my little boy is thin and weight is not good at his age, we decided to take him for a PPD skin test to make sure that he is not sick with primary complex.
I will share the result and experience in my next post…..
Health source credit to mayoclinic.com, rightdiagnosis.com and freemd.com.