Respiratory Infections in Children PDF

# Respiratory Infections ## Respiratory Infections in Children ### What is the common cold? - The common cold is one of the most common illnesses in children. - Most children will have at least 6-8 colds per year. - Children are more likely to have colds in the fall and winter. ### What causes t...

# Respiratory Infections ## Respiratory Infections in Children ### What is the common cold? - The common cold is one of the most common illnesses in children. - Most children will have at least 6-8 colds per year. - Children are more likely to have colds in the fall and winter. ### What causes the common cold? - Colds are caused by viruses. - There are over 200 different viruses that can cause a cold, but the most common are rhinoviruses. - Colds are spread through contact with an infected person or objects. ### Symptoms of the common cold: - Stuffy nose - Congestion - Sneezing - Runny nose - Sore throat - Cough - Watery eyes - Achy muscles and bones - Headache - Fatigue ### How is the common cold treated? - There is no cure for the common cold. - Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, such as: - Rest - Fluids - Pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) ## Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis in Children ### What are pharyngitis and tonsillitis in children? - Pharyngitis is redness & swelling in the throat (pharynx). - Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are part of the immune system that fight infections. ### What causes pharyngitis and tonsillitis? - Viral infections are the most common cause of pharyngitis. - Tonsillitis is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. ### Symptoms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis: - Sore throat - Painful swallowing - Enlarged, painful neck glands - Hoarseness or change in voice - Fever or chills - Headache - Fatigue ### How are pharyngitis and tonsillitis diagnosed? - By examining the child's throat and looking for signs of redness or swelling of the throat or tonsils. - A throat culture can also be done to detect the presence of a bacteria. ### How are pharyngitis and tonsillitis treated? - If the infection is bacterial, it will be treated with antibiotics. - If the infection is viral, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, such as: - Pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) - Warm fluids to soothe the throat - Gargling with salt water ## Croup in Children ### What is croup? - Croup is a viral infection of the upper airway (laryngo-tracheo-bronchitis). - It is most commonly occurs between 6 months and 6 years old. ### What causes croup in children? - Viruses, such as parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza (flu). - Bacterial infections can also cause croup, but they are less common. ### Symptoms of croup: - Barking cough - Hoarse voice - more often worse at night - Runny or stuffy nose - Fever ### How is croup diagnosed? - Croup is typically diagnosed based on signs and symptoms. - The first step is to exclude other obstructive conditions of the upper airway. ### How is croup treated in children? - Children with croup should generally be kept as calm as possible. - Treatment may include: - Fluids to help loosen mucus - Steroids to reduce inflammation - Inhaled epinephrine (for severe cases) - Oxygen (in severe cases) ### Recurrent or severe croup - Recurrent or severe croup may indicate a tonsillectomy after consultation with an ENT specialist. ## Bronchitis in Children ### What is bronchitis in children? - Bronchitis is inflammation of the large airways (bronchi) in the lungs. ### What causes bronchitis in children? - Viral infections are the most common cause of acute bronchitis. - Bronchitis can develop after an upper respiratory tract infection. ### Symptoms of bronchitis: - Dry or mucus-filled cough - Runny nose often before a cough starts - Chest congestion - Fatigue - Slight fever - Sore throat - Back and muscle pain - Wheezing ### How is bronchitis in children diagnosed? - Diagnosing acute bronchitis involves ruling out problems such as pneumonia or asthma. - Diagnostic tools include: - History - Physical exam - Chest X-ray (not always necessary) - Blood tests (CBC) or blood gases may help determine if the infection is viral or bacterial. ### How is bronchitis in children treated? - In most cases, antibiotics should not be used for acute bronchitis as it is mostly viral. - Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms: - Plenty of rest - Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and mild pain - Cough medicine for children over 4 years old ## Bronchiolitis in Children ### What is Bronchiolitis in children? - Bronchiolitis is an infection in the small airways (bronchioles) of the lungs. ### What causes bronchiolitis in children? - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause. - Other viruses can also cause bronchiolitis, such as rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, and adenovirus. ### Symptoms of bronchiolitis: - Runny nose - Congestion - Cough - Wheezing - Irritability - Vomiting ### How is bronchiolitis in children diagnosed? - A history and physical exam are usually enough to diagnose bronchiolitis. - If there is any doubt, a chest x-ray may be done - A nasal swab can be obtained and tested to identify the virus causing the infection. ### How is bronchiolitis in children treated? - Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the child: - Plenty of fluids - Suctioning the child's nose and mouth to help remove thick mucus - Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever - Oxygen (in severe cases) - hospitalization (in severe cases) ## Covid-19 ### What is Covid-19? - Covid-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). ### How do children get Covid-19? - Children of all ages can get infected with Covid-19. - Most children who get infected don't become as sick as adults and might not show any symptoms. ### What are the symptoms of Covid-19 in children? - Children tend to have mild symptoms, such as: - Fever - Cough - Runny nose - Sore throat - Loss of taste or smell - Vomiting - Diarrhea ### How is Covid-19 diagnosed in children? - A health care provider will use a nasal swab to take a sample from the back of the nose (nasopharyngeal swab) ### How is Covid-19 treated in children? - If your child has Covid-19 and can be treated at home: - Rest - Fluids - Pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) for fever - Suctioning your child's nose and mouth with a bulb syringe to help remove thick mucus - Raising your child's head while sleeping - If your child has severe symptoms: - Hospitalization is needed and supportive treatment will be provided. - Oxygen administration may be necessary.