Pneumonia in children

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. Pneumonia can affect people at any age. Babies and young children are at higher risk of getting pneumonia because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.

Call 999 for urgent help if:

• Your child’s breathing pauses for more than 20 seconds. This is really important for young or premature babies, as it might be the only symptom.
• Your child has a fever and they are struggling to breathe. They may grunt or draw the muscles under their chest in when they breathe. This makes them look like they are breathing with their tummies.
• The colour of your baby's skin inside the lips or under the tongue turns blue.

We have more information about when to visit your doctor and when to call 999.

We also have information on pneumonia in adults.