Children are often afflicted with diseases that cause breathing problems. These respiratory diseases can cause distress for both you and your child. Breathing problems in children may develop delays in physical and mental development. Understanding the common diseases causing breathing problems aids in the quick diagnosis and proper treatment for your child.
Asthma
Childhood asthma is a disease causing excessive mucus production and a narrowing of the airways of the respiratory system, which leads to difficulties breathing. The incidence of asthma in children has increased over the past few decades, reports MayoClinic.com. A child’s bronchi, or airways to the lungs, become extremely sensitive to specific allergens, such as pollen or pet dander. Exposure to these conditions will obstruct and inflame your child’s airways. Patients will exhibit signs of breathing problems such as wheezing, cough and chest pain.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common virus that causes mild symptoms of the cold or flu in older children, states MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. If the virus infects young babies, the disease can cause serious complications. RSV is the most common organism causing bronchi and lung infections in children. Exposure to the virus usually happens before your child turns 2 years old. The virus can spread easily by physical contact, such as touching, shaking hands or kissing. Most RSV outbreaks occur in crowded households and day care centers.
Croup
Croup is a breathing problem that causes an intense inflammation of the upper airways of the respiratory system, according to KidsHealth.org. The larynx, or voice box, and trachea are most commonly affected. The chief symptom is a barking cough and hoarseness more evident when your child cries. Viruses, like the parainfluenza virus and adenovirus, most commonly cause croup. The disease is most severe when seen in children 6 months to 3 years old. Usually croup is mild, but in rare severe cases requires emergency medical care.
Common Cold and Flu
The common cold and flu are infections of the respiratory tract that cause breathing problems in children, according to FamilyDoctor.org. These infections cause inflammation and swelling of the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs. Symptoms of these diseases include a fever, cough, chills, sweating, runny or stuffy nose and cough. A cold and flu are easily communicable and easily spread to people who are in contact with infected children. A variety of viruses can cause both diseases, and treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
