Respiratory Diseases in Children: Asthma and Acute Laryngitis (Croup)

Respiratory diseases are among the most common health problems affecting children, due to their direct impact on daily health, physical activity, and overall quality of life. Asthma and acute laryngitis (croup) are among the most prevalent of these conditions, each requiring proper health awareness, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management to ensure the child’s safety and reduce potential complications.

Asthma in Children

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases during childhood. It is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial airways and increased airway sensitivity to certain triggers, leading to airway narrowing and difficulty in airflow. Asthma often begins at an early age, and its severity varies from one child to another.

Causes of Asthma

Several factors contribute to the development of asthma in children, including:

• Genetic predisposition and a family history of asthma or allergic diseases.
• Exposure to allergens such as dust, house dust mites, pollen, or animal dander.
• Recurrent respiratory tract infections in early childhood.
• Exposure to cigarette smoke and passive (secondhand) smoking.
• Air pollution and climatic changes, particularly cold weather.

Symptoms of Asthma

Symptoms vary in severity and frequency and may be intermittent or persistent. They include:

• Recurrent coughing, especially at night or after physical exertion.
• Wheezing or whistling sounds in the chest.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• A sensation of chest tightness or chest pain.
• Rapid fatigue during play or physical activity.

In some cases, symptoms may progress to severe asthma attacks requiring immediate medical intervention.

Diagnosis and Control

The diagnosis of asthma is based on a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and pulmonary function tests when feasible. Although asthma is a chronic condition, effective control is achievable through adherence to treatment, avoidance of triggering factors, and regular medical follow-up.

Acute Laryngitis in Children (Croup)

In addition to asthma, upper respiratory tract infections are a common cause of breathing difficulties in children. Acute laryngitis (croup) is one of the most frequent conditions affecting early childhood.

Croup most commonly affects children between 6 months and 5 years of age and occurs more frequently during the autumn and winter seasons. Symptoms often worsen at night and may begin suddenly in the middle of the night, causing significant anxiety for both the child and caregivers.

Causes

In most cases, croup is caused by a viral infection, while in fewer cases it may be associated with an allergic reaction.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• A characteristic barking cough.
• Hoarseness and roughness of the voice.
• Difficulty or shortness of breath.
• Runny nose or fever.

In severe cases, warning signs may appear, such as:

• Bluish discoloration of the lips or face (cyanosis).
• Decreased oxygen levels.
• Marked worsening of breathing difficulty.

Management and Treatment

Most cases of croup are mild and can be managed at home through:

• Calming the child and reducing crying.
• Exposure to cool air or warm steam (such as bathroom steam).
• Keeping the child in a sitting position.
• Administering antipyretics when needed.

Severe cases, however, require urgent hospital admission for appropriate medical care.

The Role of the Family and Prevention

The family plays a fundamental role in caring for children with respiratory diseases, whether chronic such as asthma or acute such as croup, through:

• Continuous monitoring of symptoms.
• Adherence to the prescribed treatment plan.
• Providing a clean home environment free of irritants.
• Coordinating with schools or childcare centers to ensure the child’s safety.

The International Health Organization emphasizes that health awareness, early diagnosis, and adherence to treatment enable children to lead a normal and safe daily life, while supporting healthy physical and psychological development.

Medical Supervision:
Dr. Adnan Farroukh
Specialist in Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Infant Care