5 Kids' Respiratory Illnesses You Should Know About

Coughs, sniffles, and runny noses may be common in children, but this doesn’t mean these symptoms should be brushed aside. In many cases, what starts as a simple cough or nasal congestion may progress into something more.

There are various respiratory illnesses that parents and caregivers should watch out for in children. Being informed as early as now can help someone spot early warning signs and determine the next best course of action to promote swift recovery. Take note of common respiratory illnesses that may affect kids and which medicine can be considered to relieve symptoms ASAP.

Common Respiratory Illnesses That Kids Face
Here’s a rundown of some of the respiratory issues that kids may deal with as they grow up, particularly their underlying causes and symptoms:

1. Pneumonia
   Bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Staphylococcus aureus can cause this illness. In some instances, pneumonia may also be triggered by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza, adenovirus, influenza, and even COVID-19. Symptoms usually depend on the bacteria or virus responsible for the illness, and these can include: 
   1. Wet or productive cough 
   2. Chest pain
   3. Abdominal pain
   4. Fever
   5. Vomiting
   6. Diarrhea
   7. Appetite loss
   8. Tiredness or fatigue
       
2. Bronchitis
   This refers to inflammation in the bronchi, or large breathing tubes in the lungs. Cases of bronchitis in children can either be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). While most symptoms are mild, these can still cause immense discomfort in kids. Signs of bronchitis can include:

1. Dry cough that can ultimately progress into a wet or productive cough
2. Vomiting or gagging while coughing
3. Runny nose
4. Malaise or discomfort
5. Chills
6. Slight fever
7. Back and muscle pain
8. Chest congestion or pain
9. Wheezing
10. Sore throat

3. Bronchiolitis
   This is a lung infection that can occur in the first year of a child’s life, particularly when they are 2 to 6 months old. Its main culprit is the communicable respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Bronchiolitis is characterized by mucus buildup in the bronchioles, or the small airways of the lungs. Swelling and irritation are also present in these airways, triggering symptoms like a runny or congested nose, cough, fever, and even wheezing.
    
4. Asthma
   This chronic condition manifests in children due to inflammation and narrowing in the airways of the lungs. Aside from breathing issues, common symptoms of childhood asthma include:

1. Wheezing
2. Breathlessness
3. Chest tightness
4. Wet or dry cough
5. Fatigue
6. Difficulty sleeping
7. Breathing difficulties
8. Flare-up of the nostrils

While there is unfortunately no known cure for asthma, health experts have made multiple recommendations and tips that can help manage this condition in kids.  

5. Productive Cough
   These are the medical terms for a cough with phlegm. It is characterized by a cough that has a gurgling sound, mainly because of the presence of phlegm that can be clear, yellow, or green once expelled from the body. There are many reasons why kids struggle with this type of cough, namely:
    
   1. Infections caused by bacteria or viruses
   2. Respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, asthma, and cystic fibrosis, to name a few
   3. Inhalation of substances like polluted air, cigarette smoke, or environmental irritants

While health experts have said that a productive or wet cough can be cleared within days, parents can ask their child’s pediatrician about ways to prepare and resolve this illness with the help of cough medicine like Ambroxol HCl (Expel®).

When Should Parents Seek Medical Attention?
While some of these symptoms can be mild and be resolved with ample rest and the right medicine, respiratory illnesses may worsen in kids and prompt a trip to the emergency room or lead to hospitalization. If any of these symptoms show up, consult a doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital or clinic:

• Breathing difficulties or quick breathing
• Tendency of the child to pull their ribs in when they exhale
• Bluish lips or face
• Chest pain
• Severe muscle pain
• Dehydration
• Lack of alertness or interaction with other people
• Seizures 
• Fever that goes above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and cannot be resolved with medicine
• Fever or cough that improves but returns or even worsens

Choose Pedia-Recommended Medicine for Kids With Respiratory Issues
Don’t let respiratory illnesses in kids linger any longer! Should symptoms appear and cause the little ones to feel sick, give them The Most Pedia-Prescribed Branded Ambroxol for Kids in Ambroxol HCl (Expel®), available as drops or syrup. 

Ambroxol HCl (Expel®) is an expert in expelling phlegm. It helps relieve cough secondary to acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract that are accompanied by excessive lung secretions, such as chronic bronchitis, asthmatic bronchitis, and bronchial asthma. 

What sets this kids’ cough medicine apart is the inclusion of Ambroxol. This component helps stimulate fluid secretion in the respiratory tract and break down mucus, resulting in the production of phlegm that’s less sticky. Moreover, this formulation assists in improving mucociliary clearance or flow and transport of mucus, allowing phlegm to be more easily expelled from the body. 

Excellent in Taste
Lastly, Ambroxol HCl (Expel®) is formulated with TasteRite Technology, giving the syrup an orange flavor that makes it palatable to little ones, especially those who flinch at the sight of medicines.

Ambroxol HCl (Expel®) Syrup is available online and in leading drugstores nationwide at a suggested retail price (SRP) of Php123 for Ambroxol HCl (Expel®) 6mg Drops 15mL and Php141.50 for Ambroxol HCl (Expel®) 15mg Syrup 60mL.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Source: PMDI, IQVIA SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC., reprinted with permission. Prescription data of brands under: AMBROXOL in 0 – 19 Years in Branded and Originator among PEDIATRICIANS covering period: January 2024-December 2024

References:
Respiratory Viruses and Young Children | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC
Acute Respiratory Infections in Children - Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries - NCBI Bookshelf
Common Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies - PMC
Acute Bronchitis | Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Influenza (Flu) in Children | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Acute Bronchitis in Children | Cedars-Sinai
Pneumonia in Children | Cedars-Sinai
Bronchiolitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Croup - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic  
Asthma: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

ASC Ref No. U0229P071525E