Symptoms & Causes

In general, pediatric pulmonary symptoms indicating an infection of the upper respiratory tract (which includes the nose, throat and sinuses) includes:

• Cough
• A runny nose
• Phlegm
• A temperature

Signs and symptoms of an infection of the lower respiratory tract (involving the lungs and main airways), includes:

• Coughing
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Turning blue or pale
• Coughing up blood ( in severe cases )
• Fatigue

Signs of pediatric pulmonary distress

If a child is struggling to breathe, they may not be getting enough oxygen, indicating respiratory distress. Knowing the signs of respiratory distress and how to respond appropriately is important. Signs may include:

• Accessory muscle use (the neck appears to move or the head bobs up and down)
• Decreased alertness
• Grunting when exhaling
• Increased breathing rate
• Increased heart rate
• Nostrils flaring
• Retractions (the chest pulls in with each breath)
• Skin turning blue or grey in color
• Stridor (a sound in the upper airway when the child breathes in)
• Sweating

Always contact a doctor if your child shows any signs of respiratory distress.

Causes of pediatric pulmonary conditions

• Infections: Many common childhood pulmonary conditions are caused by infections with a virus or bacterium. Pulmonary conditions caused by viruses include bronchiolitis and croup. Conditions caused by bacteria include pneumonia, tuberculosis, strep throat and whooping.
• Genetic factors: Genes inherited from their parents can cause conditions such as cystic fibrosis in children.
• Neurological or developmental problems: Things such as premature birth can cause problems with the lungs.
• Environmental triggers: The exact cause of asthma isn’t known, but the condition can develop in response to certain triggers. Genetics, pollution and modern standards of hygiene have all been suggested as possible causes.

Always take pulmonary symptoms seriously

If your child is showing any signs of respiratory distress, it can be extremely worrying. If you are concerned about any aspect of your child’s breathing, book an appointment with our pediatric pulmonologists in Dubai.