Acute Bronchitis in Children Acute Bronchitis in Children Click Image to Enlarge What is bronchitis? Bronchitis is an inflammation of the large breathing tubes (airways) that are called bronchi, which causes increased production...
Acute Respiratory Disorders Acute Respiratory Disorders Acute respiratory disorders either affect the upper or lower respiratory systems and require clinical care by a doctor or other health care professional. Listed in the dir...
All About Asthma in Children All About Asthma in Children What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disease in which the airways become sensitive to allergens (any substance that triggers an allergic reaction). Several t...
Allergic Rhinitis Allergic Rhinitis What is allergic rhinitis? Rhinitis is a reaction that occurs in the nose when airborne irritants (allergens) trigger the release of histamine. Histamine causes itching, inflammatio...
Anatomy of the Respiratory System in Children Anatomy of the Respiratory System in Children Click Image to Enlarge What is respiration? Respiration is the act of breathing: Inhaling (inspiration). Taking in oxygen Exhaling (expiration). Giving o...
Apnea of Prematurity Apnea of Prematurity What is apnea of prematurity? Apnea is a term for the absence of breathing for more than 20 seconds. It can occur in full-term babies, but is more common in premature babies. The...
Avoiding Asthma Triggers Avoiding Asthma Triggers How to avoid asthma triggers Many things can trigger an asthma episode, including the following: Upper respiratory infections Allergies to dust mites, pollens, animal dander,...
Bronchiolitis Bronchiolitis Click Image to Enlarge What is bronchiolitis? Bronchiolitis is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that usually affects infants. There is swelling in the smaller airways or bron...
Chronic Lung Disease Chronic Lung Disease What is chronic lung disease? Chronic lung disease (CLD) is a general term for long-term respiratory problems in premature babies. It is also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia ...
Chronic Respiratory Disorders Chronic Respiratory Disorders Many chronic respiratory disorders require clinical care by a doctor or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for whi...
Congenital Laryngeal Stridor Congenital Laryngeal Stridor What is congenital laryngeal stridor? Congenital laryngeal stridor results from a congenital (present at birth) anomaly of the larynx (voice box). A weakness in the struc...
Croup Croup What is croup? Croup is a disease caused by a virus, bacteria, allergies, and inhaled irritants that leads to swelling in the airways and problems breathing. A child may have stridor, which is ...
Cystic Fibrosis and the Digestive System Cystic Fibrosis and the Digestive System How does CF affect the digestive system? Children with CF have an abnormality in the function of a cell protein called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regul...
Cystic Fibrosis and the Reproductive System Cystic Fibrosis and the Reproductive System How does CF affect the reproductive system? Children with CF have an abnormality in the function of a cell protein called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane...
Cystic Fibrosis and the Respiratory System Cystic Fibrosis and the Respiratory System How does cystic fibrosis (CF) affect the respiratory system? Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease characterized by an abnormality in the body's mucu...
Cystic Fibrosis in Children Cystic Fibrosis in Children Cystic fibrosis is a complicated illness that requires clinical care by a doctor or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below you will find additional ...
Cystic Fibrosis Overview Cystic Fibrosis Overview What is cystic fibrosis? Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease characterized by an abnormality in the body's salt, water- and mucus-making cells. It is chronic, progre...
Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis How is cystic fibrosis diagnosed? In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for cystic fibrosis may include the following:...
During an Asthma Attack During an Asthma Attack What happens during an asthma attack? Children with asthma have acute episodes when the air passages in their lungs become narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. Thes...
Epiglottitis Epiglottitis What is epiglottitis? Epiglottitis is an acute life-threatening bacterial or viral infection that results in swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is an elastic car...
Feeding Your Child with Cystic Fibrosis Feeding Your Child with Cystic Fibrosis How many calories does my child need? Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) often have trouble consuming enough calories to grow or gain weight. Infections, breat...
Hand-Held Nebulizer Treatments Hand-Held Nebulizer Treatments A nebulizer is a type of inhaler that sprays a fine, liquid mist of medication, commonly used in younger children who cannot use a metered dose inhaler. The device cons...
Home Page - Respiratory Disorders in Children Topic Index Anatomy of the Respiratory System Signs of Respiratory Distress Obstructive Sleep Apnea Acute Respiratory Disorders Chronic Respiratory Disorders Glossary Respiratory illnesses can includ...
Influenza (Flu) in Children Influenza (Flu) in Children What is influenza? Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection and is one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. An estimated 5 to 20 percent of the...
Levels of Asthma Levels of Asthma What are the different levels of asthma? As determined by the National Institutes of Health, the following is a guideline used by doctors to help determine the extent of asthma in yo...
Lower Respiratory Disorders Lower Respiratory Disorders Many different lower respiratory disorders require clinical care by a doctor or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, f...
Lung Transplantation in Children Lung Transplantation in Children What is a lung transplant? A lung transplant is a surgical procedure performed to remove one or both diseased lungs from a patient and replace it with a healthy one f...
Management and Treatment of Asthma Management and Treatment of Asthma Treatment for asthma Specific treatments for asthma will be determined by your child's doctor based on: Your child's age, overall health, and medical history Extent...
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Obstructive Sleep Apnea What is obstructive sleep apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a child stops breathing during periods of sleep. The cessation of breathing usually occurs because of a bl...
Online Resources - Respiratory Disorders in Children Online Resources - Respiratory Disorders in Children This Web page was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the...
Peak Flow Meters/Oximeters/Spirometers Peak Flow Meters/Oximeters/Spirometers What is a peak flow meter? A peak flow meter (PFM) is a device used to measure how well your child's asthma is under control. The device measures air flowing ou...
Pediatric Glossary - Respiratory Disorders Pediatric Glossary - Respiratory Disorders | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | ...
Pneumonia in Children Pneumonia in Children What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or chemical irritants. It is a serious infection or inflammation in which the air sacs ...
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Children Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Children What is SARS? Severe acute respiratory syndrome is a rapidly spreading, potentially fatal infectious viral disease. According to the CDC, SARS was...
Signs of Respiratory Distress in Children Signs of Respiratory Distress in Children Learning the signs of respiratory distress Children having difficulty breathing often show signs that they are not getting enough oxygen, indicating respirat...
Sinusitis in Children Sinusitis in Children What are sinuses? The sinuses are cavities, or air-filled pockets, near the nasal passage. Like the nasal passage, the sinuses are lined with mucous membranes. There are four di...
Stridor Stridor What is stridor? Stridor is a high-pitched sound that is usually heard best when a child breathes in (inspiration). It is usually caused by an obstruction or narrowing in your child's upper a...
Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis? The following are the most common symptoms for cystic fibrosis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms...
The Genetics of Cystic Fibrosis The Genetics of Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease. This means that CF is inherited. A child will be born with CF only if two CF genes are inherited--one from the mother and on...
Topic Index - Respiratory Disorders in Children Topic Index - Respiratory Disorders in Children Respiratory Disorders Home Anatomy of the Respiratory System Signs of Respiratory Distress Apnea of Prematurity Obstructive Sleep Apnea Acute Respirato...
Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis Treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF) Specific treatment for CF will be determined by your child's doctor based on: Your child's age, overall health, and medical history Ex...
Tuberculosis (TB) in Children Tuberculosis (TB) in Children What is tuberculosis? Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic bacterial infection that usually infects the lungs, although other organs such as the kidneys, spine, or brain are s...
Upper Respiratory Disorders Upper Respiratory Disorders Many different upper respiratory disorders require clinical care by a doctor or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, f...
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI or Common Cold) Upper Respiratory Infection (URI or Common Cold) What is an upper respiratory infection (URI)? An upper respiratory infection (URI), also known as the common cold, is one of the most common illnesses...
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Whooping Cough (Pertussis) What is whooping cough (pertussis)? Whooping cough, or pertussis, primarily affects infants and young children. Caused by a bacterium, it is characterized by paroxysms (int...