Respiratory Tract Infections In Children: Everything You Need To Know

Respiratory tract infections in children consist of pathogens that invade the body. They cause diseases of the respiratory tract. 

This duct is made up of the nostrils, mouth, pharynx and larynx at the upper level, as well as the airway, lungs (bronchi, bronchioles) and alveoli of the lungs at the lower level.

Some children have immunological irregularities that make them more susceptible to these types of respiratory infections. Likewise, there are circumstances that can contribute to an infection. Either because of the environment or because of family attitudes.

What are the risk factors?

There are several conditions that can promote the development of respiratory infections in children. These can go hand in hand with parental care and interaction with other family members, and include:

• Inadequate breastfeeding:  in other words, when the baby is not exclusively breastfed, or was only breastfed for a few months.

• Malnutrition:  Improper coughing can weaken children’s defenses and dilute the lung membrane, allowing microorganisms to enter.
• Cigarette smoke:  Close family members exposing a child to cigarette smoke can affect his or her breathing capacity.
• Domestic conditions or overcrowding:  when a child sleeps in a room with more than 3 people, his or her hygiene and safety are exposed to a risk.

Symptoms of respiratory infections in children

To be more specific with the symptoms, you need to take into account that the respiratory system is divided into 2 parts: the upper funnel (nose, mouth and throat) and the lower funnel (bronchi and lungs).

The symptoms that usually accompany a respiratory infection include:

• Cough
• Headache
• Fever
• Irritability
• Snoring
• Pain in or secretions from the ears

• Constipated nose due to secretion of mucus

Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections

• Common cold:  this is extremely contagious and affects the majority of children. Symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, dry cough and mild fever.
• Influenza:  this is similar to a cold, but with several complications. The child will experience fever with chills, fatigue, weakness, possible abdominal pain and vomiting.
• Throat cough:  this disease inflames the trachea, larynx and bronchi. You can identify it by a hoarse or deep cough and also by a noisy breathing.
• Sinusitis:  a viral infection that causes inflammation and accumulation of excess mucus, causing a deposition of bacteria in the baby’s sinuses.

Symptoms of lower respiratory tract infections

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV):  this affects the majority of children under 2 years of age. Its symptoms are quite similar to those seen in a common cold. It causes breathing problems and, in severe cases, asthma.
• Bronchitis:  this affects children under 2 years, especially between 3 and 6 months. It irritates the passages that supply the lungs with air, making it difficult to breathe.
• Pneumonia:  this infection attacks children’s lungs and produces fluids that accumulate in the airway and prevent breathing.
• Asthma:  this causes inflammation in the child’s airways, an increased heart rate, shortness of breath and a lack of air during running and play.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):  when the muscles that close the opening between the baby’s stomach and the esophagus do not work properly, portions of food and stomach acid pass from the stomach to the esophagus, causing irritation and a burning sensation.

• Respiratory allergies:  these are the result of the allergens that are in the child’s environment. They can cause nasal congestion, wet eyes, a tight throat and sneezing, among other symptoms.
• Anaphylaxis:  this is an allergic reaction to insect bites, latex, medication or food.

Prevention of respiratory infections in children

Some public health organizations, such as the Argentinean Ministry of Health, have highlighted some reservations that can be taken to prevent children and infants from getting a respiratory infection:

• Maintain proper hygiene when handling newborns.
• If your baby is underweight, take the baby to the doctor for a check-up as soon as possible.
• According to infants, one should continue breastfeeding to strengthen the immune system until the baby is at least 6 months old.

• Ventilate the room  and avoid sudden changes in temperature. In addition, you should also avoid enclosed areas.
• Keep your home smoke-free  and prevent smokers from doing this nearby.
• Strengthen the body’s defenses with an  appropriate diet. 
• Ask your children to wash their hands  on both sides when they get home and before each meal.
• Avoid letting children share their belongings,  such as toys, crockery (plates, glasses, cutlery) and food.
• You need to make sure that they get enough clothes on  when it is cold outside.
• If you have any symptoms such as cough, fever or constipation in your nose, or you experience rapid breathing, wheezing or snoring, see your doctor immediately.

Respiratory tract infections in children may be unavoidable, but at the very least, one can reduce the risk. This type of disease can be treated with medication. However, if you do not go to the pediatrician in time, it can lead to serious complications.