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Lung & Respiratory Infections

Learn More About Pediatric Respiratory Infections

Lee Health offers compassionate care and medical expertise to help your family understand your child's respiratory infection. We offer the best treatment options available to support your child's respiratory health needs.

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Understanding Lung & Respiratory Infections

Lung and respiratory tract infections are common conditions that negatively impact your respiratory system, which include your lungs, airways, and other structures involved in breathing. While symptoms can vary from person to person, upper respiratory infections affect the sinuses, throat, lungs or airways. The two types of respiratory infections are:

  • Upper respiratory infection which affects your sinuses and throat
  • Lower respiratory infection which affects the airways and lungs


Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialists Serving Fort Myers and Cape Coral

Common Pediatric Upper Respiratory Infections

While symptoms can vary from person to person upper respiratory infections affect the sinuses and throat. Upper respiratory infections can have a bacterial or viral cause and common upper respiratory infections include:

Common cold is most commonly caused by rhinoviruses with symptoms such as:

  • Sinus congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Low-grade fever. 

Croup is commonly caused by influenza virus or respiratory syncytial virus and it's symptoms include:

  • A harsh or "barky" cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fever

Epiglottitis is most commonly caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. Epiglottitis occurs when the epiglottis, a small cartilage "lid" covering the windpipe, swells blocking the airflow into the lungs.

**If epiglottitis is suspected contact your provider immediately as this can be a life threatening condition.**

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx (voice box) often caused by a viral infection such as a cold or flu or damage to your voice box.

Sinusitis (sinus infection) is swelling or inflammation in the tissue lining the sinuses often caused by the common cold or allergies. Symptoms typically include:

  • Postnasal drip
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Headaches

Tuberculosis is a potentially serious condition that mainly affects the lungs. It is caused by a bacteria that spreads from person to person through the droplets released from coughs and sneezes.

Common Pediatric Lower Respiratory Infections

Lower respiratory infections are often more serious and last longer. These infections include:

Bronchiolitis is a lung infection that primarily affects young children under the age of two. A viral infection, bronchiolitis causes the airways in the lungs to narrow, making breathing difficult.

Bronchitis is a lung infection that causes fever and coughing due to inflammation and mucus. Symptoms last up to a couple weeks in acute bronchitis or for more than two years if it is chronic bronchitis. 

Chest infection is an infection of the lungs or large airways following a cold or flue. Depending on the severity of the infection symptoms could be mild or severe and life threatening.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause mild to sever illness and inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. It is most common in children 5 and under, especially those with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions.

Causes of Pediatric Lung & Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are caused by viruses or bacteria entering your respiratory system. RTIs often spread through coughs, sneezes or other exposure from an infected individual.

Additionally your risk for a respiratory infection increases due to:

  • Smoking or smoke exposure
  • A weakened immune system
  • Air pollutants
  • Dust
  • Acid reflux
  • Harmful gases from chemicals

Diagnosing Lung & Respiratory Infections

If your child is experiencing persistent cough, shortness of breath, fever, or other respiratory symptoms, contact a provider to get an accurate diagnosis. Early diagnosis can help prevent the infection from worsening and reduce the risk of complications. 

To accurately diagnose the infection your child's care providers may recommend several diagnostic tests to evaluate lung and respiratory infections, such as:

  • Chest X-ray: This imaging test helps examine the lungs and surrounding structures for abnormalities or signs of infection.
  • Sputum Culture: A sample of mucus or phlegm from the lungs is analyzed in a laboratory to identify the presence of bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
  • Blood Tests: Blood samples can reveal elevated white blood cell counts, indicating an ongoing infection, and help identify specific pathogens causing the infection.
  • Pulmonary Function Tests: These tests measure lung capacity and airflow to assess lung function and identify any impairments.

If your child is presenting with serious symptoms that do not improve such as high fever or difficulty breathing, contact your primary care physician or take your child to urgent care immediately.

  • Provides clear X-rays and other medical images for young patients. Lee Health's hub for pediatric imaging and radiology in SWFL.

Treatment of Pediatric Lung & Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are common in children, especially those in daycare or school. Siblings also can increase the opportunity for infections. Typically, it is common for kids to have up to six respiratory infections per year lasting up to two weeks. 

Many times over-the-counter and home remedies are sufficient to help your child feel better until the virus or infection passes. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm liquids like herbal tea or soup, can soothe a sore throat and keep them hydrated. Ensuring your child gets plenty of rest is important for recovery, so make sure they take it easy and get plenty of sleep.

If home remedies or over-the-counter medications are not effective a provider may prescribe stronger medications to treat the infection. If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed which works by killing the bacteria or preventing its growth. It's important for your child to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by their provider.

If your child's symptoms worsen or persist despite self-care or prescription medications, contact your primary care physician or take your child to urgent care immediately.  In some cases, hospitalization may be required, particularly if your child has severe symptoms or underlying health conditions that increase the risk of complications.

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