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Home › Articles › Preschooler and Child › Sneezes and Wheezes

Sneezes and Wheezes

Childhood Respiratory Illnesses

By Donna Smith

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While there is treatment for RSV, there is no home treatment for croup (laryngotracheobronchitis), another viral infection associated with coughing and difficulty breathing. "One can hear a noise called 'strider,' which is a noise that's noisy breathing when one takes in a deep breath or exhales, because the trachea is swollen," says Dr. Abramson.

Croup requires supportive care. "Humidified air is sometimes helpful, certainly if the child is not oxygenating (breathing) well," says Dr. Abramson.

Difficulty breathing is criteria for being admitted to the hospital for more aggressive treatment. Breathing treatments are given to help reduce the inflammation and to facilitate breathing. But Dr. Abramson says hospitalization is usually not necessary unless the child is tiring out from coughing or dehydrated. "These are all potential complications," he says. "But an older child who has just a little bit of a croupy cough generally will get over it in a few days."

Influenza (Flu)
With the increased number of cases and deaths attributed to it, influenza has found itself in the news lately. Influenza, another virus, can cause severe symptoms such as high fever, muscle aches and chills and can lead to pneumonia, which can be life threatening. "We have a particularly bad strain here in the early season," says Dr. Abramson of the 2003-2004 flu season.

Dr. Abramson says it's very important for everyone over the age of 6 months to get a flu shot. The immunization, which is a not a live virus, does not give you the flu, but it can give you some fever and muscle aches. Despite that, it is still the best way to avoid the flu. "And if you haven't done it before, you need two shots, one month apart," he says.

Unlike other viruses, Dr. Abramson says there are some medications that can be given if the flu is detected early. "There are rapid tests for this that can be done at a doctor's office or clinic," he says. "If one has it and it's noted within the first 48 hours, there are some medical treatments, some medicines, that can be given for the flu." The medications are all by prescription only, so a trip to the doctor is required.

Bronchitis

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