Lung diseases in children what are the differences from adults?
Respiratory diseases among children are a common problem that requires special attention and care. A child's lungs are significantly different from an adult's, which makes lung diseases in children have their own peculiarities and require an individualized approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Lung development during childhood
The first significant differences between the respiratory systems of children and adults appear as early as the fetal period. A child's lung development continues until about age 8. During this time, the lungs enlarge and develop, and their structure undergoes further changes.
In newborns and infants, the lungs are small and massive, and their surface area relative to volume is smaller than in adults. This makes a child's respiratory system more susceptible to infections and other lung diseases.
Another difference is the elasticity of the lung tissues. It is greater in children than in adults, which makes the lungs expand well during breathing. As a result, children have a larger lung capacity and breathe more shallowly than adults. However, this greater elasticity can also lead to greater susceptibility to lung damage.
The most common lung diseases in children
Many lung diseases are shared by children and adults, such as pneumonia and asthma, but some diseases have their characteristic symptoms or causes only in children.
1. RSV (syncytial virus)
RSV is one of the most common viruses that attack the respiratory system in children as young as 2 years old. Symptoms of RSV are mainly a runny nose, shortness of breath, cough and elevated body temperature. In adults, these symptoms are often milder or even absent.
2. Croup (laryngitis)
Croup is a disease that most often affects children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. Characteristic symptoms are hoarseness, rough cough and wheezing. In adults, laryngitis and epiglottitis are rare.
3. Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that mainly affects children. This chronic disorder leads to impaired function of secretory glands, including mucus secretion in the respiratory system. A symptom of cystic fibrosis can be chronic pneumonia.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in children often requires specialized tests, such as bronchoscopy, sputum examination, and pulmonary function tests. Treatment also varies depending on the disease and symptoms, but the most important thing is to properly support the child's respiratory system and prevent further complications.
For viral infections, such as RSV, medications can be used to ease breathing and relieve symptoms. For chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, comprehensive therapy is required, which includes both drug treatment and physiotherapy.
Remember that every child is different, and the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases should be tailored to the individual patient. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor immediately.
Summary
Pulmonary diseases in children differ from those in adults due to specific developmental characteristics of the respiratory system. In response to certain factors, children are more susceptible to infections and other conditions, such as RSV or laryngitis. Diagnosis and treatment should be carried out taking into account the development and needs of the individual child. Be sure to make regular check-ups with your doctor to help diagnose early and effectively treat your child's pulmonary diseases.