Can I Bathe My Baby While He Is Suffering From Pneumonia?

Posted on Tue, 1 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 1 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor, my son's date of birth is 23rd Jan'14. He is just 3 months old. attached the xray report. he is currently on a mix of formula milk and mother's milk. currently using CEFAKIND Dry Cyrup 1.5 ml (by adding sugar) request your help on below: 1. last 5 days we are just cleaning him, no bath. as we are worried. 2. is he having Pneumonia ? 3. any cause of concern ? 4. is current medication Ok ? / we need to change ??

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Relax. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query. I understand your concern. Relax.there is nothing to worry. As I can see from x ray report these findings are seen in pneumonitis which you is infection of lungs and it could be viral or bacterial in nature. But for proper diagnosis. Clinical correlation is needed. -you can bathe him on alternate days with lukewarm water. -current medication is fine. Continue with it and be in regular follow up with your pediatrician to see for response. Usually antibiotic should have effect in 48 to 72 hours. Till the time baby is active and accepting feeds well you need not to worry. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist further. Wishing your baby good health. God bless.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (6 minutes later)

Thanks doctor for your quick response. Also answer : 1. is it ok if we remove the flum in nose with the help of earbud safely ?? 2. can i get him to chennai from vijayawada (AC chair car train travel time 6 hrs) 3. any medication for mother is required? paedeiatrician asked for one more X ray report on day after tomorrow. is it Ok for such frequent x rays (radiation) ?

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Hi. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your follow up. -yes you can remove secretion gently with suction bulb after putting a drop of normal saline. -regarding traveling you can take him but frequent traveling is to be avoided for few days,as it is difficult for babies to adapt to different environments. -mother can take normal diet only fried and spicy food is to be avoided. As I mentioned regular follow up. Is needed. A check x ray will be required. Hope this helps. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (4 minutes later)

Hi Doctor, Lastly : what is the frequency i should take the child to doctor if all is well ? and can i switch AC on during his sleeping time and what is ideal temperature ?? regards XXXX

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Hi Detailed Answer: Thanks again. Regarding follow up it depends upon response and clinical status of baby. After starting antibiotic re assessment is needed after 72 hours and further depending upon condition preferably after completion of antibiotic course. well child check up needs to be done every month till 6months of age. Regarding temperature of room it should be between 25 to 27c initially Baby should feel warm to touch. Hope this helps. Happy parenting.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar