When children are young, they are at a greater risk of contracting several diseases related to their breathing and respiratory tract. Learning about common childhood respiratory diseases, their causes, symptoms, and treatments is a crucial part of being a nurse. The more you know about the diseases, the better you can prepare parents to take good care of their children and help them recover.
In this Fast CE For Less guide, we will cover some of the most common childhood respiratory diseases you will likely encounter during your career.
Common Childhood Respiratory Diseases
Influenza
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. This illness spreads easily among children, especially in places like schools and daycare centers. The flu can be more severe in young children because their immune systems are still developing, making them less able to fight off the virus. Each year, different strains of influenza can cause outbreaks, leading to symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Causes
- Influenza viruses, including types A, B, and C.
- Spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
- Can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.
Symptoms
- Fever and chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Body or muscle aches
- Fatigue and weakness
- Diarrhea or vomiting
Treatments
- Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) can reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of illness if taken within the first 48 hours.
- Rest and plenty of fluids.
- Over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and body aches (but avoid aspirin in children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome).
- Maintaining good nutrition and hydration to support recovery.
The Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. It’s one of the most frequent illnesses in children, especially during the colder months. While colds are generally mild and self-limiting, they can be quite uncomfortable for children and lead to missed school days. The common cold is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person.
Causes
- Caused by various viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses.
- Spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.
Symptoms
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Mild fever (occasionally)
- Sneezing
- Body aches and headaches
- Fatigue and malaise
Treatments
- There is no cure for the common cold; treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.
- Encourage rest and hydration.
- Over-the-counter medications can help manage symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, and cough (use pediatric formulations for children).
- Home remedies like honey for cough (in children over 1 year) and saline nasal drops can provide relief.
- Ensure good hand hygiene and use tissues to reduce the spread of the virus.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in the lungs. It causes the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult for children to breathe. While it affects children and adults, asthma is a growing concern among children. According to the CDC, 6.5% of children have asthma. Asthma can vary from mild to severe and can significantly impact a child’s daily activities if not properly managed. Children with asthma often need to be vigilant about their environment and activities to avoid triggers that can cause asthma attacks.
Causes
Asthma can be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- Genetic predisposition: Family history of asthma or allergies.
- Environmental triggers:
- Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
- Respiratory infections like colds or flu.
- Physical activity, especially in cold air.
- Exposure to irritants like smoke, pollution, and strong odors.
Symptoms
The symptoms of asthma can vary in frequency and severity, including:
- Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound during breathing, especially when exhaling.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing or feeling breathless.
- Chest tightness: A sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest.
- Coughing: Persistent cough, which may be worse at night or early in the morning.
- Difficulty breathing: Trouble with breathing normally during physical activities or at rest.
Treatments
The treatment of asthma aims to control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.
- Inhalers: Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) like albuterol are used during an asthma attack to open up the airways.
- Long-term control medications: Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone), long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs), and leukotriene modifiers (e.g., montelukast) help manage chronic symptoms and reduce inflammation.
- Avoiding triggers: Identify and avoid allergens or irritants that can provoke asthma symptoms.
- Asthma action plan: Develop a written asthma action plan with the help of a healthcare provider to monitor and manage the condition effectively.
- Regular check-ups: Routine visits to a healthcare provider to adjust treatment and monitor asthma control.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is the inflammation of the sinuses, the hollow spaces in the bones around the nose. This condition can affect children of all ages and often follows a cold or other respiratory infection. Sinusitis can cause discomfort and may lead to more severe complications if not properly treated.
Causes
- Infections: Most commonly viral but can also be bacterial or fungal.
- Allergies: Can cause swelling and blockages in the sinuses.
- Nasal polyps: Growths in the nasal passages or sinuses.
- Deviated septum: A displacement in the wall between the nostrils that can block sinus drainage.
Symptoms
- Nasal congestion: Blocked or stuffy nose.
- Facial pain: Pain or pressure around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead.
- Headache: Pain in the forehead or behind the eyes.
- Post-nasal drip: Mucus draining down the back of the throat, causing irritation.
- Cough: Often worse at night due to mucus drainage.
- Fever: Occasionally, especially in bacterial sinusitis.
Treatments
- Antibiotics: Prescribed if bacterial infection is suspected.
- Decongestants: To reduce nasal congestion and swelling.
- Nasal corticosteroids: Sprays to reduce inflammation in the sinuses.
- Saline nasal irrigation: Rinsing the nasal passages with saline solution to clear mucus.
- Hydration and rest: To help the body recover and reduce symptoms.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. It can be acute or chronic, with acute bronchitis being more common in children. The condition often develops after a cold or other upper respiratory infection. Bronchitis causes persistent coughing and can be uncomfortable for children.
Causes
- Viral infections: Most cases are caused by viruses such as the common cold or flu.
- Bacterial infections: Less common but can occur, leading to more severe symptoms.
- Irritants: Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, or pollution.
Symptoms
- Persistent cough: Produces mucus, which can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish.
- Chest discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the chest due to coughing.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.
- Slight fever and chills: Occasionally present.
Treatments
- Bronchodilators: Inhalers or medications to open up the airways.
- Rest and fluids: Essential for recovery and thinning mucus.
- Avoiding irritants: Keeping away from smoke and other lung irritants.
- Humidified air: Using a humidifier to moisten the air and ease breathing.
- Over-the-counter medications: To reduce fever, pain, and cough (excluding aspirin for children).
Croup
Croup, also known as laryngotracheobronchitis, is a condition that causes swelling around the vocal cords and windpipe. It is common in young children, particularly those between 6 months and 3 years old. The hallmark of croup is a distinctive barking cough that can be alarming to both the child and parents.
Causes
- Viral infections: Most commonly caused by parainfluenza viruses.
- Seasonal factors: More prevalent in fall and early winter.
- Transmission: Spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person.
Symptoms
- Barking cough: Harsh, seal-like cough due to swelling around the vocal cords.
- Hoarseness: Difficulty speaking due to swollen vocal cords.
- Stridor: High-pitched, wheezing sound during inhalation.
- Difficulty breathing: Varies from mild to severe, often worse at night.
- Fever: Low-grade fever may be present.
Treatments
- Humidified air: Using a cool-mist humidifier or having the child breathe in steam from a warm shower.
- Corticosteroids: Medications like dexamethasone to reduce airway swelling.
- Epinephrine: Inhaled in severe cases to quickly reduce swelling.
- Keeping the child calm: Reducing agitation helps to minimize breathing difficulties.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection caused by the bacteria called Group A Streptococcus. It affects the tonsils and the throat, causing pain and inflammation. Strep throat is more common in school-aged children and can spread easily in places where children are in close contact. Prompt treatment is important to prevent complications.
Causes
- Bacterial infection: Caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria.
- Transmission: Spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes or through shared food and drinks.
Symptoms
- Sore throat: Severe pain, especially when swallowing.
- Fever: Sudden onset of high fever.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Tender lumps in the neck.
- Red and swollen tonsils: Often with white patches or streaks of pus.
- Headache and stomach pain: Occasionally present in children.
Treatments
- Antibiotics: Penicillin or amoxicillin to kill the bacteria and prevent complications.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (not aspirin) to relieve throat pain and reduce fever.
- Hydration and rest: Drink plenty of fluids and get adequate rest.
- Soft foods and warm liquids: To ease swallowing and provide comfort.
- Avoiding spreading: Keep the child home from school and use proper hygiene to prevent transmission.
Each of these conditions requires careful attention and appropriate treatment to ensure the well-being of children. Nurses play a crucial role in recognizing symptoms, providing treatment, and educating families about preventive measures and management strategies.
The Importance of Caution When Using Aspirin with Children
Aspirin use can also cause Reye’s syndrome, a condition that leads to swelling in the liver and brain, which can be life-threatening. Reye’s syndrome is very uncommon, and it can occur after using aspirin to treat symptoms of viral infections like the flu or chickenpox. A nurse should recommend that parents only administer aspirin to their children when recommended, and they should also recommend alternatives like ibuprofen or Tylenol.
Measures to Prevent Childhood Respiratory Diseases
Preventing the spread of respiratory diseases in children involves teaching and reinforcing simple yet effective hygiene practices. These habits help children stay healthy and reduce the risk of infections.
Hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. It removes germs that can be picked up from touching surfaces or close contact with others. Children should be taught to wash their hands with soap and water, scrub all parts of their hands for at least 20 seconds, and rinse thoroughly. Singing a song like “Happy Birthday” twice can help ensure they wash long enough. Encourage hand washing before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. Regular demonstration and practice make hand washing a routine habit.
Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing helps prevent the spread of germs. Children should use a tissue to cover their mouth and nose and dispose of the tissue immediately. If no tissue is available, they should cough or sneeze into their elbow rather than their hands to reduce the spread of germs. It’s important to throw used tissues in the trash right away and wash hands afterward.
The flu vaccine is recommended for all children older than 6 months. It provides protection against the most common strains of the flu virus each year. The vaccine reduces the risk of flu illness, hospitalizations, and severe outcomes, particularly in high-risk groups such as young children and those with chronic health conditions. Vaccination not only protects the vaccinated child but also helps reduce the spread of flu in the community, especially to those who are vulnerable.
If you have not completed your nursing continuing education requirements to renew your license, online nursing CEUs offered by Fast CE For Less can help.
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