How To Know If Your Child Has Pneumonia

Vomiting

Many parents would not naturally associate stomach problems to pneumonia. As such, vomiting is often overlooked as a possible indicator that the child already has pneumonia. When a child has pneumonia, the pathogens can make its way to the throat, or may even have started in the throat before getting to the lungs. Children, as well as adults, tend to swallow some of the mucus that was produced in the nose and/or throat. The mucus contains viruses and bacteria, and these could sometimes irritate the intestines or stomach. It does not happen all the time, but it does happen sometimes. When the intestines or stomach get irritated, there is a possibility to trigger vomiting, as a means for the body to expel the irritants.

Sometimes, the vomiting is not because of the intestines or stomach getting irritated. Sometimes, the vomiting is a result of the gag reflex. When the throat and trachea get infected, these become sensitive. A slight irritation or obstruction (like phlegm) can trigger either a cough or a gag reflex, in an attempt to expel the obstruction. Sometimes, the gag reflex becomes so intense, it causes the child to vomit. This can happen to adults, too.