Children diagnosed with chronic or ongoing respiratory problems may find their ability to play and function in everyday environments limited by their condition. A number of respiratory problems afflict children, and while some are mild and don't require medical treatment or surgery, some are more serious and may contribute to lifelong illness or disability.
Lung Function
The lungs are the major organ of the respiratory system, providing oxygen to the body. An airway, called the trachea, allows air to pass through the nose or mouth and down into the lungs. A bronchus tube branches off to each of the lungs from the bottom of the trachea. In turn, each bronchus branches off into more tubes called bronchi, which again branch off into smaller bronchioles. These branches, nearly 30,000 of them, lead to little air sacs called alveoli. The alveoli are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. Damage or inflammation to the lung structures may cause respiratory problems in children and adults.
Common Respiratory Problems
Allergies and asthma are among the most common of childhood respiratory problems. Such conditions may be serious for children, as are conditions like cystic fibrosis and obstructive sleep apnea. Asthma is caused by swelling in the airways most often caused by allergens or asthma triggers like dust, mold, medications, excessive emotional states, environmental factors like pollution, and viral infections. Medical conditions like obstructive sleep apnea and cystic fibrosis contribute to a variety of lung issues, depending on the severity of the condition, the age of the child and other medical conditions the child has.
Symptoms
Cystic fibrosis diagnosed in childhood affects the respiratory or the digestive system. Symptoms of CF include wheezing, chronic lung infections, coughing and at times, difficulty breathing. Childhood sleep apnea typically occurs between 3 and 6 years of age and may cause your child to stop breathing while she sleeps. Common symptoms of asthma include anxiety, increased breath rate, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Any child observed with difficult or painful breathing should be assessed by a pediatrician.
Treatment
Treatments for childhood respiratory conditions depend on the diagnosis and the severity of your child's condition. Asthma treatment may range from avoiding triggers to the use of inhalers. Some children diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea may find relief following removal of tonsils and adenoids. A CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, mask may also be worn at night to ensure constant flow of oxygen. Children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis often undergo pulmonary function tests, respiratory therapy and lung-strengthening exercises. Some may require inhalation therapy or oral medications to help treat lung infections.
