Upper Respiratory Infections

Defining Upper Respiratory Infections In Children

Nothing stresses a parent out more than when their child is sick. Colds, flu and a host of childhood diseases like mumps and measles will plague their growing-up years and there will be a lot of trips to the emergency room in their future. But how can you tell if your child simply has a cold, or something more serious, like upper respiratory infections? In this article, we will define the symptoms of conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis, the root causes and how they can be safely treated.

Want to know more about upper respiratory infections, their symptoms and treatment? All of us at Pediatric Partners want your child to be as healthy and happy as possible, so please call us today for an immediate consultation.

The Root Causes of Upper Respiratory Infections

Most upper respiratory infections, which include mild cases of cold and flu, as well as the more serious conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia, all affect the nose, mouth, sinuses and throat, otherwise known as the upper respiratory system. The root causes of these conditions are usually either a virus or bacterial in nature. Colds, flu, croup and bronchitis are considered to be caused by a virus, while diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis are caused by bacteria.

Viral infections can be eased through home treatment, and do not require the use of antibiotics to fully treat the infection. More children get placed at risk through the unnecessary use of antibiotics every year than from the illnesses themselves. By using them to treat a viral infection, you could actually prolong their illness and make them sicker than they would have been without it. Antibiotics should only be administered to treat a bacterial respiratory infection, like pneumonia and only under a doctor’s care.

Symptoms of Bronchitis

The viral respiratory infection known as bronchitis directly affects the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs. The virus causes these tubes to become irritated and inflamed, which makes them swell up, and cause your child to have difficulty breathing. When the bronchial tubes swell, they become filled with mucus, causing your child to cough, trying to get the mucus to break up and have a feeling of heaviness in their chest.

The most common form of the bronchitis respiratory infection that affects most children today is known as acute bronchitis. It usually comes on quickly, starting with a dry hacking cough, a low grade fever and a feeling of fatigue. It usually only lasts for about two to three weeks, and your doctor will tell you if there are any complications to be concerned about. Smoke and dust can be extra irritating to your child while suffering from bronchitis, so every effort should be made to keep them isolated from potential triggers during their illness.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

The bacterial respiratory infection known as pneumonia can have similar symptoms to bronchitis and while pneumonia is a more serious illness that can plague older children, it is important that every parent know the difference between the two diseases. While both conditions have a hacking cough as a common symptom, the cough that comes from pneumonia is more chronic and can involve coughing significant amounts of mucus. The fever associated with pneumonia is much higher than that of bronchitis, and can be dangerous for younger children to endure.

If your child shows any symptoms involving a chronic cough, seek medical attention immediately. Pneumonia, especially, if left untreated, can evolve into a more serious condition, even life-threatening. Other symptoms of pneumonia in children include chills, shaking, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, rapid pulse, chest pains, fatigue, weakness, nausea, and diarrhea. Because pneumonia is often mistaken for the onset of the flu, it is advised that parents bring their child in for treatment as soon as possible. The faster your doctor can get antibiotics working to combat the bacteria, the sooner your child will get better.