Capable of leaving a child literally gasping for air, pediatric lower respiratory-tract disease encompasses a potentially life-threatening group of illnesses. Anatomically, the lower respiratory tract consists of the parts of the respiratory system positioned beneath the larynx and trachea, specifically the bronchi, bronchioles, lungs and alveoli. Prompt recognition and treatment of lower respiratory-tract disease in children is necessary to ease breathing and minimize potential complications, including chronic airway problems, lung failure and death.
Background
Pediatric diseases or disorders that affect the lower respiratory tract could be short- or long-term conditions, depending on the cause. Short-term lower respiratory-tract disease takes place when a respiratory infection causes acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes or lungs. In children, these conditions typically include pneumonia, bronchitis and bronchiolitis. Long-term lower respiratory-tract disease occurs when an underlying condition causes respiratory swelling and inflammation that lasts for an extended period of time. These conditions include pediatric asthma and cystic fibrosis.
Causes
Short-term lower respiratory-tract disease in babies and children occurs most commonly as a result of a viral infection. Viruses frequently labeled as culprits include respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, adenovirus and influenza viruses, including parainfluenza. These viruses often produce an infection in the upper respiratory tract that then spreads to include the lower respiratory tract. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that occurs when a defective gene triggers the production of excessive mucus in your child's lungs. The cause of asthma is unknown, but an asthmatic child's narrowed airway passages typically worsen as a result of various triggers, including acute respiratory infections, allergens and cigarette smoke.
Symptoms
The primary symptom that occurs with both acute and chronic lower respiratory-tract disease in children is difficulty breathing. This breathing trouble could show itself in the form of wheezing, rasping or bubbling sounds in the lungs, as well as rapid breathing, flaring of the nostrils, grunting and blue-tinted skin that results from lack of adequate oxygen. Lower respiratory-tract disease arising from a viral cause often follows cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and fever. Additional respiratory symptoms of cystic fibrosis vary by age and could include excessive coughing or mucus production, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.
Treatment
Treatment for pediatric lower respiratory-tract disease varies, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Opening the breathing passages and easing breathing is the primary concern and often requires supplemental oxygen and inhaled medication, such as corticosteroids, to reduce pulmonary swelling. Because they involve the breathing passages, lower respiratory-tract diseases are potentially life-threatening, and prompt medical attention is necessary. If you notice any severe signs of breathing struggles, such as nostril flaring, worsening wheezing or blue-tinted skin, take your child to the emergency room immediately.
References
- "Maternal and Child Health Nursing"; Adele Pillitteri; 2009
- "British Medical Journal"; Viral Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Infants and Young Children; Job van Woensel, et al.; July 2003
- MedlinePlus: Cystic Fibrosis
- American Lung Association; Asthma and Children; February 2010
- MedlinePlus: Breath Sounds
- "Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Medicine"; Gary Fleisher, et al.; 2010
