Dehydration is the most common systemic complication.
Dehydration in pneumonia results from decreased fluid intake and excessive respiratory effort. Fluid loss is also increased because of vomiting, fever, and tachypnea. Cough is an unusual symptom in neonates with pneumonia. Most cases of pediatric pneumonia are due to viruses; parainfluenza viruses, influenza virus, adenovirus, and RSV are the most common. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Tachypnea is the best indicator of pneumonia. Blood cultures are rarely positive in children with pneumonia.
