FAQ
Baby Care
Childhood Illnesses: Respiratory Tract Infections

Respiratory tract infections are the most common childhood medical problems, mostly caused by a viral infection. It is not possible to totally prevent respiratory illness in children like coughs and colds. However, you can take the following steps to reduce their risk:

 

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Upper respiratory tract infections may affect the mouth, nose, sinuses and throat. The most common infection is the common cold. Your child may get several episodes of common cold a year, as these are usually caused by viral infections which spread easily.

Lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia affect the bronchial tubes and lungs. They are usually caused by viruses, but less commonly, they may also be due to bacterial infections, which makes the illness more severe.

 

Other respiratory illnesses include influenza, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis and SARS.


If your child has an upper respiratory tract infection, he may have a:

 

A common cold is a mild infection of the upper respiratory tract, which usually resolves itself on its own and does not need active treatment. Instead, let your child rest as much as possible and drink more fluids. Your child’s immune system usually will be able to fight the infection. How long the cold lasts depends on your child’s age and resistance. A younger child with a less mature immune system may take longer to recover.

 

However, you can consult a doctor or a pharmacist for medication to relieve your child’s symptoms and help him feel more comfortable. It is not advisable to self-medicate young children as not all over-the-counter medicines are safe for them.

 

Antibiotics are not needed for viral infections and will not help your child recover faster.

 

Sometimes, an upper respiratory tract infection may lead to a lower respiratory tract infection such as bronchitis, when the tubes that carry air to the lungs are inflamed.

 

Symptoms of lower respiratory system infection include:

 

Lower respiratory tract infections caused by viruses may be mild, and may resolve on their own, like infections in the upper respiratory tract. However, bronchiolitis, a more serious viral infection in which the small air passages are inflamed, may cause severe blockage of the air passages. This is a common infection among babies and children under two years old. If your child has high fever and complains of chest pain, bring him to a doctor immediately in case he has pneumonia (infection of his lungs).

 

Lower respiratory tract infections may also be caused by bacteria which may be more severe.

 

Reference: HealthHub

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