P23: Congenital pneumonia

Congenital pneumonia is a group of health conditions occurring in newborn babies, which present as lung infections. These types of pneumonia originate before or during birth, unlike typical pneumonia that occurs due to infection after birth. There are several potential causes of congenital pneumonia, such as bacteria, viral infections, or fungi that the baby might encounter in the womb or during the birthing process. The infection can affect the baby's breathing capacity, resulting in symptoms like shortness of breath, a bluish coloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen, rapid breathing, and possibly cough or fever. These symptoms typically appear within the first few days after birth. The progression of congenital pneumonia may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the overall health condition of the newborn. The primary body system affected by these conditions is the respiratory system, specifically the lungs.