Watch for Respiratory Tract Infections in Children

Watch for Respiratory Tract Infections in Children!

Respiratory tract infections in children increase with winter months and colder weather. However, the similarity of symptoms of respiratory tract infections makes proper diagnosis of the disease difficult. Correct diagnosis and treatment prevent prolonged recovery time and increased treatment costs.

Assoc. Prof. Nisa Eda Çullas İlarslan from the Department of Pediatrics at Memorial Ankara Hospital noted that diseases such as influenza, rhinitis, pharyngitis, bronchiolitis, sinusitis and croup, which are among respiratory tract infections, have symptoms that resemble each other but differ in some aspects. She provided information about the symptoms of respiratory tract diseases in children and treatment approaches.

Avoid Spending Excessive Time in Enclosed Spaces

Upper respiratory tract infections in children include rhinitis (common cold), influenza, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute otitis media, serous otitis media, sinusitis and laryngitis (croup). Lower respiratory tract infections include bronchiolitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Respiratory tract infections are most frequently observed in late autumn, winter and spring. The most important reason for this is spending more time in enclosed spaces due to cold weather and increased contact.

Direct Contact Increases Transmission

The main route of transmission for respiratory tract infections is through droplets. Virus particles released into the air through coughing are inhaled and cause disease. Another route of transmission is direct contact. Particularly in the preschool period, children in daycare frequently put their hands to their mouth, nose and eyes, increasing contact and transmission through this route.

Pay Attention to Symptoms that Distinguish Infections!

Symptoms and signs of respiratory tract infections in children show similarities. The symptoms listed below should be carefully noted and considered when making a diagnosis.

Rhinitis: In common cold caused by viruses, symptoms include nasal discharge, nasal congestion, mild fever, cough and throat itching. Redness and discharge in the eyes may also occur. In infants, irritability and sleep disturbances may accompany these symptoms.

Influenza: In seasonal influenza, the causative agent is the influenza virus. Fever is typically high. Weakness, headache, muscle pain and sore throat are typical. Additionally, cough, nasal discharge and shortness of breath may occur. Sometimes abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea related to the digestive system may also occur.

Pharyngitis: Sore throat, burning in the throat, difficulty swallowing and cough are commonly seen. Fever may accompany this condition.

Tonsillitis: Symptoms of tonsillitis are often similar to those seen in pharyngitis. The clinical picture in many cases appears as tonsillopharyngitis. In tonsillitis associated with beta microbe (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus), sore throat, fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain and painful lymph nodes in the neck are typical. A scarlet fever rash may appear in some cases. Conversely, viral infection symptoms (cough, low-grade fever, nasal discharge, hoarseness, discharge from eyes) are not expected.

Acute otitis media: Acute otitis media is a complication that develops during the course of an upper respiratory tract infection with complaints such as cough, nasal discharge and nasal congestion. Complaints manifest as ear pain and fever. There may be drainage from the ear. Irritability, crying and sleep problems are common in infants.

Serous otitis media: In this condition, there are typically no findings except mild hearing loss. Since hearing loss is mild, it may not be noticed by parents or may result in watching television at high volume or a decline in school performance.

Acute bacterial sinusitis: Symptoms typically include prolonged cough, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, fever and frequently headache around the eyes.

Croup: During the course of an upper respiratory tract infection, sudden hoarseness and a barking, dry cough are typical. This cough often occurs late at night.

Pneumonia: Fever, cough, weakness and loss of appetite are typical symptoms. Signs of respiratory distress (rapid breathing, chest wall retractions, shortness of breath, grunting, cyanosis) may be present. Additionally, abdominal pain, headache and chest pain are among the symptoms.

Bronchiolitis: Bronchiolitis, essentially seen in children under two years of age, presents with cough, nasal discharge, fever, feeding difficulty and wheezing. Signs of respiratory distress may be seen in advanced cases.

Diagnosis is Made Through Examination and Tests

Diagnosis of upper respiratory tract infections is often made clinically. In tonsillitis, diagnosis of beta microbe is confirmed with throat culture or rapid antigen test. During epidemic periods, your doctor may request a rapid antigen test for influenza diagnosis if clinically suspected. Additionally, during the pandemic, a PCR test may be needed for COVID-19, one of the most important causes of respiratory tract infections. Diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections is also made clinically, but chest X-ray and blood tests may be requested in cases requiring hospitalization, uncertain diagnosis, or inadequate response to treatment.

Do Not Use Medications Without a Doctor's Prescription!

Treatment of viral upper respiratory tract infections is supportive. Rest and adequate fluid intake are recommended. If nasal congestion is present, drops containing saline solution provide relief. Common cold medications, particularly in children under 6 years of age, are not recommended unless prescribed by a doctor. The reason is their limited effectiveness and various side effects. In seasonal influenza, if the patient comes in within the first two days of symptoms, the physician may consider starting antiviral treatment. In some special cases, antibiotic treatment will be prescribed by the physician. These cases are tonsillitis caused by beta microbe, acute otitis media, acute bacterial sinusitis and pneumonia that the physician believes to be caused by bacterial agents. Antibiotics should not be used for respiratory tract infections unless prescribed by a physician.