What is the most common cause of pneumonia in neonates?

A neonate is a newborn baby in the early weeks of life. Infection may reach the lungs before or during birth, or after delivery through contact with germs. Viruses can also cause pneumonia. Newborns may not show the familiar pattern of cough and fever: warning signs can include fast or difficult breathing, pauses in breathing, grunting, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, temperature change, pale or bluish skin, or reduced wet nappies. These signs can overlap with sepsis, which requires emergency care.

If a newborn seems unwell, contact urgent medical services immediately and explain the baby’s age and symptoms. Keep the baby warm, avoid giving unprescribed medicine, and do not delay assessment to watch for a cough or fever. Clinicians may check breathing, oxygen levels, feeding, temperature and blood tests, then decide whether hospital treatment is needed.

Seek emergency help for pauses in breathing, struggling or grunting breaths, blue or grey lips, severe sleepiness, poor responsiveness, repeated vomiting, inability to feed, or a baby who feels unusually hot or cold. Any suspected serious infection in a newborn warrants urgent assessment, even when symptoms appear mild.

Ask what may have caused the infection, whether tests for pneumonia or sepsis are needed, how feeding and breathing will be monitored, and which changes should prompt immediate return after discharge.