Pediatric Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases in children affect a wide range of organs of the respiratory system, including the nose, nasal cavity, mouth, oral cavity, throat, sinuses, larynx, trachea, bronchioles, lungs, and diaphragm. According to global statistics and incidence data, respiratory diseases are the most prevalent illnesses affecting children worldwide, ranking first from the past to the present. Their incidents continue to rise, with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from the common cold, coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose to severe respiratory infections that may pose a life-threatening risk.
How is a child’s respiratory system different from an adult’s?
Children are not diminutive adults. Their respiratory systems are different from those of adults in structure and function. These differences mean that when children develop respiratory illnesses, they are more prone to breathing difficulties and airway obstruction.
- Nose: The nasal passages are small and narrow. Even minor swelling or a small amount of nasal discharge can immediately cause significant breathing difficulty.
- Tongue: In children, the tongue is proportionally large relative to the size of the oral cavity, which predisposes to airway obstruction.
- Pharynx: The pediatric pharynx contains lymphoid tissue known as Waldeyer’s ring, located near the tonsils and the base of the tongue. These areas are frequently infected. When inflamed or infected, swelling ensues, leading to airway obstruction, difficulty breathing, and even snoring.
- Neck and head: When lying in the supine position, their necks are more retracted and flexed due to a pliable neck and prominent occiput, increasing the risk of airway obstruction. These anatomical features also make endotracheal intubation more challenging.
- Trachea and bronchioles: In children, the trachea is soft and pliable, making it prone to narrowing during expiration. The bronchioles are exceedingly small, and in cases of acute bronchiolitis, swelling of the bronchioles can reduce the airway cross-sectional area for airflow by up to 75%, significantly compromising breathing.
- Chest wall: Due to the characteristics of the muscles and the arrangement of the ribs in children, their lungs receive less air with each breath compared to adults. Additionally, the respiratory muscles in children are more prone to fatigue than those of adults.
These anatomical and physiological characteristics make respiratory illnesses in children more severe and potentially life-threatening than in adults. Consequently, these illnesses require management by pediatric specialists, using medical equipment specifically designed for children.
Why Choose MedPark Hospital for Your Child’s Respiratory Care?
- Our care team leaders are highly experienced pediatric pulmonologists who specialize in diagnosing and managing complex respiratory conditions.
- A dedicated pediatric nursing team provides compassionate care and understands children’s behavior and development.
- The hospital has state-of-the-art medical devices designed specifically for the safe and accurate diagnosis and treatment of children.
- Our fully equipped NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) are ready to handle any critical situation, giving you confidence that your child will receive timely and comprehensive care.
Respiratory Diseases and Disorders in Children
- Cough
- Snoring
- Pneumonia
- RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection)
- Croup
- Pediatric ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome)
- Asthma
- Sinusitis
- Bronchitis
- Airway obstruction
- Acute bronchitis
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Chronic cough
- Hyperreactive airways (Bronchial hyperresponsiveness)
- Tonsillitis
- Rhinitis
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Risk Factors of Respiratory Illness in Children
- No breastfeeding: Breast milk is the optimal nutrition for infants, rich in immune-protective factors passed directly from mother to child. Infants who are not breastfed or receive insufficient breast milk are at a significantly higher risk of infections, particularly those of the respiratory system.
- Incomplete routine vaccinations: Essential childhood vaccines, such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), and influenza vaccine, play a vital role in preventing infections and reducing disease severity, which can otherwise lead to severe lung complications.
- Environmental hygiene: Cleanliness is essential. Parents and caregivers should practice proper hand hygiene before handling children and regularly clean the areas where children spend their daily activities.
- Exposure to smoke: Both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes pose serious risks to a child’s developing lungs. Smoke exposure increases airway sensitivity and significantly raises the risk of asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections.
- Pollution: Present environment, particularly in urban areas, increasingly exposes children to air pollutants, including vehicle emissions, agricultural burning, and particulate matter (PM2.5). This fine particulate pollution has a direct and significant impact on children’s respiratory health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Respiratory Diseases
What symptoms warrant bringing my child to a pediatric respiratory specialist?
Common early symptoms of respiratory illnesses in children often resemble a typical cold, including cough, runny nose, and phlegm. In most cases, these symptoms are mild and resolved on their own within a few days. However, you should seek medical attention promptly if your child exhibits atypical or concerning symptoms, such as:
- Chronic cough lasting for weeks or worsening over time
- Excessive or dark-colored phlegm
- Abnormally rapid or slow breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Chest retractions or indrawing
- Labored or rapid breathing
- High unremitting fever
With our best regards,
MedPark Hospital
Pediatric Specialty Center, 8th Floor, Counter A & B
Tel. 02-090-3138
Service hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM