Respiratory tract infections are common in children, especially infections of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, ears). Sometimes the lower respiratory tract is also affected, e.g. in case of bronchitis or pneumonia.
Most respiratory infections start with a cold, sneezing, cough, and low-grade fever. Depending on the nature of the respiratory infection, earache, sore throat, shortness of breath, wheezing and diarrhoea can be added.
Most respiratory infections are caused by viral infections. Sometimes bacteria are responsible for the infection, e.g. in the case of pneumonia.
If a virus is the cause of a respiratory infection, there is only one treatment: to let it run its course. A bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes your child needs to be admitted to hospital. This only happens in a few cases, for example very severe pneumonia or bronchitis with severe shortness of breath.
If coughing persists for more than eight weeks, it is best to consult a doctor.
First, your child’s complaints will be thoroughly reviewed and your child will be physically examined.
Depending on the possible cause, further examinations will then be scheduled: e.g. an X-ray, an immunity blood test, a sweat test, a lung function test or an allergy test.
