Lungs and breathing

Lungs and breathing

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Asthma is a condition that leads to narrowing of the airways of the lungs. Symptoms include wheeze, cough and difficulty breathing. Common asthma triggers are colds, exercise, dust, pollens and cigarette smoke. An asthma action plan can help you understand and manage your child's asthma.

Bronchiolitis is a chest condition that causes breathing problems in babies. It's catching so wash your hands before and after handling baby. Bronchiolitis is usually a mild illness that can be treated at home. Some sicker babies need to be admitted to hospital. There is no specific medicine for uncomplicated bronchiolitis.

Bx (bronchiectasis) is a lung condition. The breathing tubes (airways or bronchi) in the lungs of a child with Bx have become damaged and scarred. Mucus (phlegm or sputum) can collect in the scarred area and infections occur in this mucus. The main symptoms of Bx are a long-standing wet sounding cough and lots of chest infections.

CPAP is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. A CPAP machine holds the airway open by gently blowing air into the breathing passages at a set pressure. This stops the airway from narrowing as can happen in obstructive sleep apnoea.

Croup is a viral illness in young children which causes narrowing of the upper airways. Croup is often a mild illness but can quickly become serious, so do not hesitate to get medical help.

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a narrowing of the airways at the back of the nose and in the throat during sleep that causes a child to have difficultly breathing and pauses in their breathing. The effect on a child can include disturbed sleep, poor daytime behaviour and difficulty learning at school. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are an important cause of obstructive sleep apnoea, and an operation to remove them can resolve the problem.

Pneumonia is a chest infection which is an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia causes cough, fever and problems with breathing. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral pneumonia is more common in children. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial pneumonia - they do not help viral pneumonia. Most children make a complete recovery from pneumonia.

A polysomnogram (sleep study) is the gold-standard test for the investigation of breathing problems during sleep. It requires attaching small sensors to your child's head, face and chest.