The lungs perform the vital functions of taking in air and exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood. As the lungs expand air enters the mouth and nose, travels through the trachea to the bronchi--two tubes that lead to the lungs. The bronchi branch into the bronchial tubes that branch further into a network of bronchioles. The bronchioles lead to over 600 million tiny elastic air sacs known as alveoli, as described by the Franklin Institute. Several lung diseases begin in childhood and affect the lungs’ functions.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, causes a common viral infection that affects most children by the time they reach 2 years of age, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Although RSV usually causes cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose, fever and cough, it can lead to pneumonia and severe breathing problems. Babies, especially premature babies, are at the highest risk of serious complications due to RSV.
Asthma
Asthma, a chronic lung disease that affects nearly 6 million children in the United States, causes increased mucus production and airway constriction, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Asthma occurs when the body overreacts to inhaled substances normally considered harmless, such as dust and pollen.
When triggered, asthma causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes--airways--that restricts the flow of air. The inflammation causes the muscles surrounding the airways to tighten which causes the airways to narrow even more. The inability to take in enough air and oxygen or exhale completely causes the symptoms of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Pneumonia
The World Health Organization reports that pneumonia, a disease characterized by inflammation of the lungs, is the leading cause of mortality worldwide in children under the age of 5. Although viral and parasitic infections can lead to pneumonia, the most common cause of the most serious pneumonia cases remains bacterial infections.
Streptococcus pneumonia, the most common pneumonia-causing bacterium according to MedlinePlus and the National Institutes of Health, lives in the nose and back of the throats of most health people. When the bacterium spreads to the lungs it causes inflammation resulting in pneumonia. Pneumonia causes symptoms including fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis describes a chronic genetic disease that affects both the lungs and digestive system. Caused by a defective gene, children with cystic fibrosis produce unusually sticky mucus. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation reports that doctors diagnose about 1000 new cases of cystic fibrosis each year.
The production of the sticky mucus clogs the bronchial tubes in the lungs increasing the risk for life-threatening infections. The presence of the mucus causes lung symptoms including a persistent cough, wheezing and shortness of breath.
References
- The Franklin Institute: The Respiratory System
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Respiratory Syncytial Virus
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Asthma
- World Health Organization: Epidemiology and Etiology of Childhood Pneumonia
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: What is Cystic Fibrosis
