Supportive treatment
1. Fluid therapy
Oral intake should cease when a child is in severe respiratory distress. In severe
pneumonia, inappropriate secretion of anti-diuretic hormone is increased24, dehydration
is therefore uncommon. It is important that the child should not be overhydrated.
2. Oxygen therapy
Oxygen reduces mortality associated with severe pneumonia. It should be given
especially to children who are restless, tachypnoea with severe chest indrawing,
cyanosed or not tolerating feeds. The SpO2 should be maintained above 95%.
3. Anti-tussive remedies
It is not recommended as it causes suppression of cough and may interfere with airway
clearance. Adverse effects and overdosa ge have been reported