Diseases of the respiratory system that most often affect children

Asthma is one of the most common civilization diseases of the XNUMXth and XNUMXst centuries. It is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways and a set of symptoms characteristic of adult patients. These include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath, occasional irritation and rashes. Unfortunately, in children, the diagnosis of bronchial asthma is difficult and consists mainly in careful observation of the emerging ailments. There is no XNUMX% effective way to detect asthma in children under the age of six, so a doctor who consults with parents must rely on reliable medical history. It is based, inter alia, on monitoring the time of coughing, listening to the child’s breathing, determining whether the cough intensifies after increased physical activity and observation of rhinitis. The time of year when symptoms worsen is also very important. Once the doctor determines whether the child suffers from bronchial asthma, he will prescribe effective medications in the form of inhalation or oral administration, which will significantly reduce the undesirable symptoms. Additional methods of confirming the presence of the disease in severe cases can be spirometry, chest X-ray and bronchial provocation test.

Although the eminent Canadian physician William Osler called pneumonia “the captain of the death wards”, today we are able to cope with this disease much better than at the beginning of the 4th century. However, this does not change the fact that, especially in immunocompromised people and children, pneumococcal pneumonia is still a high risk. Annually, as a result of complications and bacterial attack of the alveoli, about XNUMX million people worldwide die. Common symptoms of pneumonia in a child include coughing, shortness of breath, pronounced pain when touching the chest, and fever. If the sputum culture and x-rays confirm the doctor’s diagnosis, pneumonia is best treated with antibiotics. In order to protect the child against one of the most common causes of this disease, it should be vaccinated against pneumococcal bacteria, also responsible for sinusitis and dangerous diseases of the meninges and the brain itself. Pneumococci spread by droplets, most often in autumn and winter. Vaccination is best done after the child is six weeks old, as until then the child is protected by the mother’s natural immunoglobulins.

Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses in a child is often associated with the common cold. If left untreated, it causes secretions to build up in the sinuses, causing headaches. The symptoms of the disease worsen in the morning and with bending down and exercising. Obstructed sinuses derive their origin from viral or bacterial inflammation, as well as from tooth decay, which promotes the growth of microorganisms attacking the upper respiratory tract. That is why it is so important to take care of the oral cavity of a child who is not yet able to take care of it on their own. Unfortunately, sinusitis is often associated with the occurrence of asthma and all kinds of allergies and tonsil hypertrophy. The parent can recognize the disease by the swelling of the child’s eyelids, loss of smell, pressure around the forehead, and the discharge of watery or purulent nasal discharge. Untreated sinusitis can lead to serious complications, including meningitis. It is estimated that from 5 to 13 percent. infections of the paranasal sinuses are caused by pneumococci. If it is difficult to diagnose the disease in a child, nasal and sinus endoscopy, X-rays or computed tomography are used. Topical medications in the form of drops and antihistamines administered in tablets are most effective in treatment.

Cystic fibrosis is the most common genetic disease in the world. It is classified as a rare chronic disease of a complex and systemic nature. As cystic fibrosis progresses, dysfunction of other internal organs follows. This is due to the excess production of sticky mucus that cannot be excreted from the body quickly enough. The basic symptoms include, apart from enzymatic pancreatic insufficiency, mainly bronchopulmonary disease. If cystic fibrosis affects a child’s respiratory system, it can contribute to respiratory failure through recurrent infections. A child struggling with it suffers from chronic cough, hemoptysis, bronchiolitis, lung, sinusitis and paranasal polyps. Due to the accumulation of ailments, cystic fibrosis in children is dangerous not only to health, but also to life. The basic treatment includes antibiotic therapy, physical therapy and inhalation with beta-agonists.

Angina, often mistaken for a cold or flu in children, is an acute inflammation of the pharynx and tonsils. Angina is caused by streptococcal infection, although it is relatively rare in children under three years of age. Therefore, the course of the disease differs from that of an adult, especially in the first stage of nasal obstruction, which occurs sporadically in the symptoms of classic angina. Angina should not be underestimated, because it contributes to the general weakening of the child’s body. Penicillin is the most commonly used antibiotic, unless allergic contraindications are present. You should remember to always use the doses prescribed by your doctor to the end, even after the symptoms have subsided, to avoid relapse and serious complications.

Bronchitis in children usually occurs in an exacerbated manner. Infections that intensify in the period of spring – autumn – winter, with their symptoms resemble classic colds and the early stage of pneumonia. They are therefore a dry cough and a catarrhal infection, which make it difficult for the child to sleep properly. They are also accompanied by fever, faster heart rate and shortness of breath. Bronchitis is especially dangerous in infants, where it can be seen by listening for wheezing, often mistaken for asthma. Because after about three days of illness, the cough changes to a moist form, vomiting ensues when the children are unable to cough up the remaining secretions. When it builds up in the stomach, it affects stomach acid and affects the baby’s digestion. The treatment involves oral antibiotics, combined with increased fluid supply and antipyretic drugs. It is also necessary to maintain a constant room temperature, not exceeding 21 degrees, and appropriate air humidity.

Acute laryngitis is a process that affects the mucosa of this organ. Its etiology is derived from bacterial and viral infections. As with angina, the disease is different in children and adults. Since the child’s larynx is located higher, it becomes swollen more easily, making it difficult to breathe. Laryngitis most commonly affects children between six months and three years of age, with symptoms such as hoarseness, fever, shortness of breath and cough with discharge. It is important that, after the diagnosis of the disease by the doctor, if the child’s condition worsens, the necessary hospitalization is not delayed. Airway obstruction in the youngest patients can lead to suffocation, which is why bronchoscopy and intubation are often used during treatment.