An ongoing infection of the lungs called Recurrent pneumonia results in inflammation of the air sacs. The microorganisms that cause pneumonia in children include bacteria, fungi, parasites, and predominantly viruses. It typically begins following a child’s recovery from a cold, the flu, or an upper respiratory infection. Most healthy children recover from pneumonia in 2 to 3 weeks, but in a few rare instances, children develop a severe illness and require hospital care. Pneumonia is typically a highly serious condition in children, especially those with a weak immune system or other health issues. Children who experience repeated or regular episodes of pneumonia are said to have recurrent pneumonia.

Introduction to Recurrent Pneumonia:

Pediatricians have a severe problem with prolonged or recurrent pneumonia. Recurrent and chronic cases of pneumonia are widespread, even though acute infection of the lower respiratory tract continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five in underdeveloped nations. All respiratory illnesses have an annual incidence rate of 4–8 per kid in underdeveloped nations (1, 2), but pneumonia has a significantly lower annual incidence rate of just 10 per 100 children (1, 2). There is no universal agreement on what constitutes persistent or recurrent pneumonia. Two separate cases of pneumonia within a 12-month period or three episodes at any given time are considered pneumonia.

The word “recurrent pneumonia” implies prolonged, chronic pneumonia. It is described as a recurrence of sensations and abnormal radiographic findings for longer than a month (3); however, some writers prefer to use a 3-month cutoff. Chest radiographs that demonstrate infiltration clearance during a symptom-free interval signal recurrent infection in order to distinguish between persistent and pneumonia. Because of insufficient or incorrect treatment, chronic illnesses can manifest as recurring infections. The purpose of this study is to examine the frequent causes of recurrent or chronic pneumonia as well as how to treat such a patient.

Causes of Recurrent Pneumonia:

Asthma is a typical cause of recurrent pneumonia. The cause is a viral infection, which causes a fever and an asthma flare-up. Enhanced bronchoconstriction, greater airway edema, and an abundance of mucus with mucus obstruction are the causes of the irregularities on the CXR. The doctor makes the diagnosis of pneumonia as a result of the fever, aberrant auscultation, and negative CXR. Children’s pneumonia can result from any of the following and often develops after an upper respiratory tract infection, a cold, or the flu:

• Recurrent Pneumonia can be brought on by the same viruses that cause colds and the flu. The virus is the most frequent cause of pneumonia in children under the age of five. Viral pneumonia typically only causes minor symptoms, but it can get worse. Adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), human metapneumoviruses, and parainfluenza viruses are some examples of viruses.
• Bacteria can cause pneumonia on their own or in conjunction with a cold or the flu. The most typical bacterial cause of pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumonia.
• Children with compromised immune systems or those who have breathed in high numbers of organisms are more likely to develop fungus-related pneumonia.
• Aspiration syndrome.
• Structural abnormalities and pulmonary anomalies
• Immunological anomalies and immune diseases
• Inborn Heart Defects
• Stomach Acid Reflux (GERD)
• Aplastic anemia
• Asthma with hypersecretion

Signs and Symptoms:

Children’s recurrent pneumonia symptoms are quite variable and depend on a child’s age, general health, infection type, pneumonia cause, and even where the pneumonia is located in the lung. For instance, serious symptoms could appear suddenly if germs are the cause of pneumonia. Symptoms of recurrent pneumonia often appear more gradually when a virus is to blame. Children with pneumonia often experience milder symptoms that resemble the common cold or flu, such as:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Loss of breath

Diagnosis:

Following a stethoscope examination of your child’s lungs, if Recurrent Pneumonia appears to be present, the healthcare provider may request one or more of the following types of pulmonary tests:

• Chest X-ray: On the X-ray, Recurrent pneumonia can be seen, as well as where in the lung it is located.
• Blood test: A blood test can find infections and occasionally show what’s causing pneumonia.
• Sputum test: This test uses a tiny amount of mucus from the lungs (sputum) to help identify the cause.
• Pulse oximetry can be performed to see if your child receives sufficient oxygen if they are having trouble breathing.

Homeopathic Treatment for Recurrent Pneumonia:

Homeopathic medications have the power to aid in complete recuperation from recurrent pneumonia when provided in accordance with their prevalent characteristics. Recurrent pneumonia can be effectively treated with homeopathic medications.

• Recurrent Pneumonia can benefit from Bryonia treatment. Whenever pneumonia is accompanied by discomfort in the chest, it works well. The discomfort feels like stitches. Chest discomfort is exacerbated by choking and labored inhaling.
• In cases of pneumonia where trouble breathing and shortness of breath are noticeable symptoms, the arsenic album is an appropriate treatment. Additionally, there is a cough with minimal foamy phlegm.
• When the sputum is purulent, the medication hepar sulph is quite useful for treating pneumonia. The fluid might feel uncomfortable in a scenario like this. Hepar Sulph is a homeopathic drug used to treat recurrent pneumonia with purulent complications. The mucus is crackling, while the breathing is uncontrolled.
• Phosphorus is a very effective treatment for pneumonia. Phosphorus is suggested as a treatment for pneumonia when lung compression is obvious. Breathing quickens and one’s chest looks weighted. There is also a hydrated cough while hacking. Sputum that is bloody or purulent may also happen along with this.
• Antimonium Tart, Ipecac, and Bryonia are the most commonly used treatments for pneumonia in newborns and young children. When the mucous in the chest is rattling excessively, antimonial tartrate should be administered. Additionally, the pulse is feeble and fast. When there is a cough that produces bubbling rales in the chest, ipecac works nicely.