Common Respiratory Illnesses

Pediatric patients are especially susceptible to respiratory viral illnesses due to their developing immune systems and frequent exposure to viruses in school, daycare, and other communal settings. These illnesses can range from mild colds to more severe respiratory infections. Understanding the symptoms associated with each viral illness is essential for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to provide appropriate care and seek medical attention when necessary. In this comprehensive article, we will explore common respiratory viral illnesses in pediatric patients and the symptoms associated with each.

Common Cold (Rhinovirus, Coronavirus strains 1-4, adenovirus)

Symptoms: The common cold is characterized by a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and a sore throat. Pediatric patients with a cold may also experience low-grade fever, fatigue, and mild body aches. Cold symptoms typically develop gradually.

Management: Cold symptoms can often be managed at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications appropriate for the child’s age. Ensure good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

Influenza (Flu)

Symptoms: The flu shares some symptoms with the common cold, such as coughing, a sore throat, and fatigue, but it is typically more severe. Pediatric patients with the flu often experience high fever, chills, body aches, and a sudden onset of symptoms. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting may also occur in some cases.

Management: Treatment may include antiviral medications if started early in the illness, as well as supportive care to manage fever and discomfort. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for children to reduce the risk of infection.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Symptoms: RSV primarily affects infants and young children. Symptoms include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. In severe cases, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, characterized by rapid breathing, labored breathing, and bluish skin color.

Management: Mild RSV infections may be managed at home with supportive care, while severe cases often require hospitalization for oxygen therapy and monitoring.

Croup (Parainfluenza Virus)

Symptoms: Croup is characterized by a barking cough, hoarseness, and a harsh, high-pitched noise when inhaling (stridor). Pediatric patients with croup may also have a low-grade fever and respiratory distress, which can worsen at night.

Management: Mild cases of croup can often be managed with humidified air, such as a steamy bathroom, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Severe cases may require medical attention, including corticosteroid medications or nebulized epinephrine.

Bronchiolitis

Symptoms: Bronchiolitis primarily affects infants and young children and is often caused by respiratory viruses like RSV. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing, nasal congestion, and fever. In severe cases, the child may struggle to breathe and have difficulty feeding.

Management: Treatment for bronchiolitis is typically supportive, including hydration, supplemental oxygen, and monitoring in severe cases. Antibiotics are not effective since the condition is usually viral.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Symptoms: Pertussis starts with symptoms similar to the common cold but progresses to severe, paroxysmal coughing fits. Pediatric patients may experience difficulty breathing and make a “whooping” sound when trying to inhale after a coughing episode. Infants can have pauses in breathing, leading to cyanosis.

Management: Treatment for pertussis includes antibiotics to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent further transmission. Pertussis vaccination through the DTaP vaccine is a crucial preventive measure.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Symptoms: HFMD typically causes a mild fever, sore throat, and small, painful sores in the mouth. These sores can also appear on the hands, feet, and buttocks. Pediatric patients may experience a loss of appetite due to mouth pain.

Management: HFMD is usually self-limiting and managed with supportive care, including pain relief and fluids. Good hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)

Symptoms: COVID-19 symptoms in pediatric patients can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. Some children may also develop gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. In severe cases, respiratory distress and pneumonia can occur.

Management: Pediatric COVID-19 cases are managed similarly to adult cases, with isolation, symptom management, and monitoring for complications. Vaccination is recommended for eligible children to reduce the risk of severe illness.

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory virus that can affect individuals of all ages. However, it is of particular concern in pediatric patients, especially infants and young children. Understanding the symptoms and potential complications associated with hMPV is essential for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to provide timely care and ensure the well-being of young patients. HMPV was first identified in 2001 and is now recognized as a leading cause of respiratory infections in children. It belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and shares similarities with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the common cold virus.

Symptoms of hMPV in kids:  The symptoms of hMPV in pediatric patients can vary from mild to severe, with infants and young children being particularly vulnerable. Common symptoms of hMPV infection include: Fatigue, sore throat and persistent cough is often one of the earliest symptoms of hMPV infection. The cough may be dry or produce mucus and also a runny or congested nose. A low-grade fever is a common symptom of hMPV infection. In some cases, the fever may be moderate to high. Some children with hMPV infections may develop wheezing and shortness of breath, which is characterized by a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing. This symptom can be particularly concerning in infants and young children.

It’s important to note that the severity of symptoms can vary widely among infants and children. While some children may experience only mild cold-like symptoms, others, especially those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems, may develop more severe respiratory distress.

Acute Asthma Exacerbation

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of children worldwide. While many children with asthma can effectively manage their symptoms with proper care and medication, there are instances when asthma exacerbations, or “attacks,” can occur. These episodes can be frightening and potentially life-threatening, making it crucial for parents and caregivers to understand the symptoms of acute asthma exacerbation and the importance of seeking urgent medical care when they arise.

Symptoms of asthma:  Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, increased respiratory rate, difficulty speaking, decreased physical activity and use of accessory muscle use.

Seeking medical care for their child with acute asthma exacerbation:

Recognizing the symptoms of acute asthma exacerbation is critical, but equally important is taking prompt action by seeking urgent care or emergency medical attention when these symptoms arise. Urgent care facilities are equipped with the necessary medications and tools to provide immediate relief for acute asthma symptoms such as using Albuterol Nebulizer or Duo-Neb (Albuterol-Ipatropium) nebulizer breathing treatments. Prompt treatment can improve your child’s condition quickly. Our urgent care setting can assess your child’s respiratory status, oxygen levels, and response to treatment. They can make adjustments to medications and interventions as needed or guide you to take your child immediately to emergency department if they are in a critical respiratory status.

We also provide an Asthma Action Plans for your child after your visit at our All Kidz Urgent Care. This plan outlines daily asthma management, including medication schedules, as well as steps to follow during an exacerbation.

Acute asthma exacerbations can be frightening experiences for both children and their parents. Recognizing the symptoms of an exacerbation and seeking urgent care or emergency care promptly is vital to ensure the safety and well-being of pediatric patients with asthma. By taking preventive measures and following an asthma action plan, parents can help reduce the risk of exacerbations and improve their child’s overall asthma management. Remember that your child’s healthcare provider is your partner in managing their asthma, so don’t hesitate to seek their guidance and support.