Respiratory Infections
Infections in the respiratory tract are one of the most common ailments children will experience. These can be really mild or can be quite severe. A viral upper respiratory infection or “common cold” can be a well tolerated illness whereas a community acquired pneumonia can lead to respiratory distress and occasionally the need for supplemental oxygen or an admission to a hospital overnight. Infections can occur anywhere along the respiratory tract including the upper airway, the lower airways, the alveoli or all three. Infections can be due to viruses, bacteria or even fungi. Often these infections can exacerbate underlying lung conditions like asthma. Unfortunately, there are very few ways to prevent respiratory infections. Vaccines such as those to the seasonal influenza “flu” virus or to pneumococcal (Streptococcus pneumoniae) can be helpful and are recommended in the routine childhood vaccination schedules. Other than this, simple hand washing can be helpful, but isn’t perfect.
Croup
Croup or “laryngotracheobronchitis” is typically caused by a virus called parainfluenza virus, but there are many others that can cause this syndrome. The infection causes swelling around the area of the voice box (larynx) that leads to a narrowing of the airway and the very typical harsh stridor on inspiration or the barky cough (“barking seal”) characteristic of the condition. Click HERE to learn more.
The Common Cold
The common cold is a respiratory infection that typically only causes symptoms in the upper airway such as the nose and throat. Symptoms can consist of runny nose, congestion, sore throat, coughing and even fever. Most children with the common cold tolerate symptoms quite well and do not require additional medical support as long as they are drinking plenty of fluid and any underlying medical conditions are not exacerbated by the illness (such as asthma). There are several viruses that can cause the common cold. Human rhinovirus, enterovirus, coronavirus and parainfluenza are just a few.
A pneumonia is inflammation that occupies a segment of the lung including the alveoli or gas-exchange areas.
Pneumonia
A pneumonia can be secondary to a virus, a bacteria, a fungus or even an aspiration event. It can be a significant infection of the lower respiratory tract including the gas-exchange units of the lung (alveoli). It can occasionally be associated with low oxygen saturation and typically warrants some form of anti-microbial (e.g. antibiotics). Symptoms include fever, cough and malaise but can also include difficulty breathing and reduced activity. If you suspect your child has a pneumonia, please consult your pediatrician, your pediatric pulmonologist or go directly to seek urgent medical care.
Bronchitis is inflammation of the large conducting airways called bronchi.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an infection in the large airways. It often leads to a wet cough and can last for several weeks if not treated. Your physician may hear a wheeze, but often appreciates crackles or mucus in the lungs.
Bronchiolitis is inflammation of the smallest airways in the lungs called bronchioles.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis occurs when there is an infection, typically a virus such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), in the very smallest of the lower airways. These airways become swollen and mucus filled leading to difficulty breathing and often wheezing. This syndrome is not typical in children more than 2 years of age but can be quite severe in children less than 12 months. This form of wheezing doesn’t always respond to bronchodilators or asthma therapies (such as albuterol).