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Around 4,00,000 children below the age of five are lost to Respiratory Infections in India each year.
With multiple health surveys done by internal and international agencies, it has been observed that Indian children, especially those living in densely populated and polluted metropolitan cities are born with up to 10% lower lung capacity when compared to children of the same age group in rural populations of the same country and of countries with a lower AQI.
Lung capacity is the measure of air which can be held by the lungs of an individual and is important in case of illness and disease progression of various respiratory disorders. Read to know more about tips to maintain healthy lungs.
Common Respiratory Illness Symptoms
The symptoms of respiratory illnesses in children can vary depending on the type of illness. Some common symptoms include:
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Cough
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Runny nose
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Sore throat
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Fever
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Wheezing
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Difficulty breathing
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Chest pain
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Nausea
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Stomach Pain
Common Respiratory Illness Causes
Respiratory illnesses are very common in children. The most common respiratory infections causing agents in children include:
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under 1 year of age. It can also cause cold-like symptoms in older children and adults.
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Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can sometimes lead to hospitalization or death.
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Parainfluenza virus is another common cause of respiratory illness in children. It can cause cold-like symptoms, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.
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Adenovirus is a virus that can cause a variety of respiratory illnesses, including cold-like symptoms, pneumonia, and conjunctivitis (pink eye).
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Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that can cause respiratory illness in children, similar to RSV.
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Streptococcus pneumonia is a bacteria that can cause respiratory infections and so are:
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Mycoplasma pneumonia
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Chlamydia spp
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Legionella
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Coxiella burnetti
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Inherited lung conditions such as low pulmonary volume
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Malformed airways
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Genetic Disorders
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Auto-Immune Disorders
Common conditions and symptoms associated with respiratory disease in Children
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Croup is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe). It can cause a barking cough, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing.
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Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the airways that carry air to the lungs. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or other irritants.
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Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
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Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation of the airways. It can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
If your child is showing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get the correct diagnosis and treatment. At Manipal Hospitals we have some of the best pulmonary experts who can diagnose your child’s condition and suggest the best treatment plan. Our expert doctors use a multi-disciplinary approach to bring you the best of care.
What can I do to prevent Respiratory Illness?
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent respiratory illnesses in your child, including:
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Good Hygiene
Wash your hands often. This is the best way to prevent the spread of germs.
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Protect
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Vaccination
Get your child vaccinated. There are vaccines available for RSV, flu, and other respiratory viruses.
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Cleanliness
Keep your child's environment clean. This includes washing toys and surfaces regularly.
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Rest Well
Encourage your child to get enough sleep. This will help their immune system fight off infection.
If your child does get respiratory disease, there are a number of things you can do to help them feel better, including:
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Give them plenty of fluids. This will help prevent dehydration.
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Soups and hot beverages can help with the discomfort.
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Taking medications prescribed by the doctor only ensures proper treatment.
If your child's symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days, be sure to see a doctor right away and get them thoroughly tested by an expert at the best child hospital in Delhi. For further information on lung issues in children, book an appointment with the best paediatrician in Delhi right away. You can walk to your nearest Manipal Hospitals or book an appointment online.
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