Respiratory tract infections in children can occur throughout the year but tend to increase significantly during seasonal transitions and periods of sudden weather changes, especially in children under 3 years of age. Early recognition, timely treatment, and proper care are essential to prevent recurrence.
What are respiratory tract infections in children?
Respiratory tract infections in children are caused by the invasion of viruses or bacteria, leading to damage in one or more organs of the respiratory system. On average, children in Vietnam experience 5–8 episodes of respiratory tract infection per year, with each episode typically requiring 5–7 days of treatment.
Respiratory tract infections are acute infectious diseases that spread easily and carry a high risk of outbreaks, particularly in crowded settings such as daycare centers and schools.
The disease can spread from an infected person to others through saliva droplets released when coughing, sneezing, or talking, as well as indirectly via contact with utensils, objects, or surfaces in the surrounding environment contaminated by the patient.
How many types of respiratory tract infections are there in children?
Respiratory tract infections in children are classified into two types: upper respiratory tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections.
Upper respiratory tract infections: Damage occurs above the epiglottis and commonly includes the following conditions:
Pharyngitis and rhinitis
Pharyngitis and rhinitis are acute infections characterized by inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages and pharynx. In children under 3 years of age, episodes may occur 4-6 times per year, while in children over 3 years, the frequency can reach 6-10 times per year. Common symptoms include excessive nasal discharge, nasal congestion, itching of the nose, redness and inflammation of the throat, sneezing, and sore throat.
On average, symptoms of pharyngitis and rhinitis appear within 1-2 days after infection, worsen over the next 3-5 days, and then begin to subside within 1-2 days. With proper and timely care and treatment, the condition typically resolves within about 7 days.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an infection of the mucosal lining inside the sinuses, leading to inflammation, swelling, and excessive mucus production. It is commonly seen in children under 6 years of age and presents in two forms: acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis.
The causes of sinusitis may include bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. The condition is more common in children with malnutrition, those living in polluted or dusty environments, frequently exposed to tobacco smoke or coal stoves, as well as children with allergic tendencies, adenoid hypertrophy, or tonsillitis.
Sinusitis is often accompanied by symptoms such as upper respiratory tract inflammation (excessive nasal and sinus mucus discharge, nasal congestion), breathing difficulties, headache, and pain or pressure in the sinuses and facial areas.
Otitis media
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that occurs when viruses or bacteria invade the space behind the eardrum. In children, otitis media is generally classified into two types: acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME), also known as serous otitis media.
- Acute otitis media (AOM): This condition is characterized by bulging of the eardrum, accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum, perforation of the eardrum, and/or discharge from the ear canal. In children, acute otitis media commonly presents with symptoms such as ear pain, frequent ear rubbing, and tinnitus.
- Otitis media with effusion (OME): This condition occurs when fluid accumulates in the middle ear and subsequently becomes infected, turning into pus. It commonly causes symptoms such as ear pain and purulent ear discharge.
Adenoiditis
Adenoiditis is an infection and inflammation of the lymphoid tissue in the nasopharynx, leading to obstruction of the eustachian tube and airway blockage. Clinical manifestations include high fever, laryngeal spasms, ear pain, excessive purulent and mucous nasal discharge, and complete nasal congestion.
Adenoiditis in children is typically classified into two types: acute adenoiditis and chronic adenoiditis, most commonly occurring between 6 months and 4 years of age, with regression usually beginning at 5-6 years. The condition may lead to serious complications such as sinusitis, bronchitis, acute otitis media, and even episodes of sleep apnea.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, characterized by swelling of the lymph nodes on both sides of the posterior pharyngeal wall. In children, common symptoms include enlarged and reddened tonsils, bad breath, discomfort or pain when swallowing saliva, fever, tinnitus, and earache.
Tonsillitis is classified into two types: acute tonsillitis and chronic tonsillitis.
- Acute tonsillitis: This condition commonly affects the palatine tonsils, causing swelling and sore throat, followed by the formation of a white or gray coating. It is often accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in the jaw and neck regions.
- Chronic tonsillitis: A persistent infection of the tonsils, often resulting from repeated episodes of acute tonsillitis.
Lower respiratory tract infections: Damage occurs below the epiglottis and commonly includes the following conditions:
Acute bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is an acute infection of the lower airways, including the trachea and major bronchi. Inflammation of the bronchial mucosa leads to swelling and excessive mucus production, obstructing normal airflow.
Acute bronchitis is most common in children between 6 months and 3 years of age. Typical symptoms include fever, sneezing, dry or productive cough, runny nose, headache, chest tightness, and body aches.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is an inflammatory condition characterized by exudation and swelling of the bronchiolar mucosa, leading to airway obstruction, respiratory tract infection, and impaired airflow. Without timely and appropriate treatment, the child may face serious complications such as respiratory dysfunction, acute respiratory failure, pneumothorax, or lung collapse.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia in children is an infection of the lung parenchyma, which may affect both lungs diffusely or be localized to a single lobe. Typical symptoms include high fever above 39°C, shortness of breath, chest retractions, productive cough, rapid breathing, chills, and fatigue.
Factors contributing to respiratory tract infections in children
- Children with weakened immune systems, low birth weight, premature birth, malnutrition, or those who were not exclusively breastfed.
- Children who do not develop the habit of regular handwashing or have poor personal hygiene.
- Living in polluted, dusty, moldy, or overcrowded environments impairs the protective function of the respiratory mucosa, reduces mucus secretion and antibacterial defense mechanisms, thereby increasing the risk of developing respiratory infections and facilitating their rapid spread.
- Cold weather, sudden temperature changes, seasonal transitions, and variations in microorganisms including the emergence of new viruses also create favorable conditions for the development of acute respiratory infections.
Treatment of respiratory tract infections in children at Hong Ngoc General Hospital
The Pediatrics Department of Hong Ngoc General Hospital is a trusted destination for the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory tract infections in children:
- 1:1 consultation with specialists having over 20 years of experience, formerly working at leading hospitals such as the National Children’s Hospital, Bach Mai Hospital, and Saint Paul Hospital. Thorough examination enables accurate diagnosis of respiratory tract infections in children, including bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis media, and pharyngitis.
- Standard medical treatment protocols in accordance with WHO guidelines: Limiting the use of antibiotics and prescribing them only in cases of secondary bacterial infection, thereby protecting the child’s natural immune system and reducing the risk of recurrence.
- Combined respiratory physiotherapy: Techniques such as mucus clearance, nasal suction, nebulization, and controlled coughing exercises help clear the airways, reduce obstruction, and support the treatment process.
- Advanced diagnostic imaging system: X-ray and CT scan machines deliver clear, detailed images, allowing the detection of deep lesions and supporting accurate examination and diagnosis.
**Note: The information provided in this article by Hong Ngoc General Hospital is for reference purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. For an accurate assessment of health conditions, patients should visit a hospital for direct examination and receive appropriate treatment recommendations from a physician.
PEDIATRICS DEPARTMENT – HONG NGOC GENERAL HOSPITAL
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