Respiratory Care

What is respiratory care?

As your child develops, they can experience many kinds of respiratory illness or distress. Sometimes it is temporary, but other times it can be a more chronic condition that requires ongoing care.

Regardless of the cause, it’s important that your child receives excellent respiratory care in order to help them achieve optimum health. Respiratory care refers to medical care that diagnoses and treats a wide range of breathing disorders and pulmonary conditions, both large and small.

The team at Lapeer Pediatrics has a long history of treating both acute and chronic respiratory conditions, helping their patients stay healthy and happy.

What are some common pediatric respiratory conditions?

As your child matures, they can experience different respiratory conditions. Sometimes these ailments come and go quickly, but other times they can become chronic problems that need ongoing treatment.

Common pediatric respiratory conditions include:

Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is a clinical syndrome produced by inflammation of the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. In children, acute bronchitis usually occurs in association with viral lower respiratory tract infection. Acute bronchitis is rarely a primary bacterial infection in otherwise healthy children. Acute bronchitis begins as a respiratory tract infection that manifests as the common cold. 

Symptoms often include coryza, malaise, chills, slight fever, sore throat, and back and muscle pain. The cough in these children is usually accompanied by a nasal discharge. The discharge is watery at first, then after several days becomes thicker and colored or opaque. It then becomes clear again and has a mucoid watery consistency before it spontaneously resolves within 7-10 days. Purulent nasal discharge is common with viral respiratory pathogens and, by itself, does not imply bacterial infection. Initially, the cough is dry and may be harsh or raspy sounding. The cough then loosens and becomes productive. Children younger than five years rarely expectorate. In this age group, sputum is usually seen in vomitus (ie, posttussive emesis). Parents frequently note a rattling sound in the chest. Hemoptysis, a burning discomfort in the chest, and dyspnea may be present.

Sinus, ear, and throat infection

Everyone will experience sinus, ear, and throat infections at some point in their lives. While these illnesses are often short-lived, they can be quite uncomfortable while they are happening. While they can clear up on their own occasionally, sometimes treatment is also needed.

Bronchitis and pneumonia

Bronchitis is caused by a virus and leads to inflamed bronchial tubes. It is characterized by coughing that brings up phlegm. Pneumonia can be caused by either a virus or bacteria and involves inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. Both can be serious conditions that require expert care.

Asthma

Asthma is a very common chronic ailment affecting many children and adults. It is caused by the narrowing of the air passages in the throat, making it difficult to breathe. Often, ongoing treatment is needed. The team at Lapeer Pediatrics uses Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) to diagnose asthma.

How are respiratory conditions treated?

The team at Lapeer Pediatrics has extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of pediatric pulmonary conditions, helping to keep their patients healthy and happy. Treatment options depend on the condition and can include in-office treatment as well as prescription take-home treatments.

Speak with the team if you have any questions regarding your family’s respiratory health. 

To learn more about respiratory care and how you can help ensure the health of your child, call or go online today to schedule your first appointment with the team at Lapeer Pediatrics.