Respiratory infections make their rounds every year. Infections often spike in the fall and winter months. Children spend a lot of time indoors together during these seasons. Some of the most common infections that impact children include the common cold and flu. However, children can also be impacted by RSV, pneumonia, and croup. You may wonder, how common are respiratory infections in kids? Below you will find helpful information about what to do when your child is impacted.
How Common Are Respiratory Infections In Kids?
Respiratory infections are the most common illnesses that impact children. In fact, young children can get several respiratory infections each year. Children under six years old average roughly six to ten colds each year. The duration of each respiratory illness is roughly ten days. Even healthy young children can be sick for up to two months per year. This is especially true for children in daycare or preschool.
As children get older, the frequency and duration of illness decrease. The immune system has been strengthened over time. If your child continues to get sick often, consult with a pediatric pulmonology professional. They can evaluate your child’s symptoms to determine the root cause. A customized treatment plan can help restore your child’s health.
Common Respiratory Infections in Children
There are several common respiratory infections that impact children. These include upper respiratory infections and lower respiratory infections. Upper respiratory infections are more common and impact the nose, sinuses, mouth, and throat. Lower respiratory infections are often more severe and impact the bronchial tubes and lungs.
Cold and Sinus Infections
The common cold is the most common respiratory infection that impacts children. Symptoms of the common cold include a runny nose, cough, mild fever, poor sleep, and reduced appetite. In some cases, the common cold can turn into a sinus infection. This occurs because a child’s sinuses are still developing. There are common indications that the common cold has transitioned into a sinus infection. This includes thick yellow mucus, a headache, and swelling around the eyes.
Influenza
The flu is much more challenging than the common cold. It often impacts children harder and faster. Symptoms include body aches, a high fever, and exhaustion. It takes only 24 to 48 hours to be completely exhausted by the flu. Young children are at a high risk for flu complications, especially those under age five. A flu vaccine is helpful in protecting children who are six months or older.
RSV and Bronchitis
RSV is a highly common respiratory infection. It impacts almost all children before they turn two. For many children, it looks like a cold. However, the virus can have a serious impact on infants. This is because it inflames the small airways of the lungs and fills them with mucus. Wheezing and coughing are common when this occurs. High-risk children include those with weakened immune systems and premature babies.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. The illness can be bacterial or viral. It often begins with an upper respiratory infection, but then moves down the chest. The air sacs become inflamed and can fill with fluid. This can cause several alarming symptoms, including high fever, rapid breathing, and a shallow cough. This requires prompt medical attention.
Common Reasons Children Frequently Get Sick
Small children are often impacted by respiratory infections. In many cases, there is no cause for concern. Symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medication and rest. However, many parents wonder why their kids get sick so often. Below are some of the most common reasons children get sick.
Immune System
There are more than 200 viruses that cause the common cold. By adulthood, many people have already been exposed to the vast majority of them. A toddler is being exposed to so many of them for the first time. Each new virus results in a new infection as the child’s immunity builds. This can take years, as kids get sick often until their teen years.
High Exposure
Respiratory illnesses travel and are passed through fluids. Coughing, sneezing, sharing toys, and unwashed hands are breeding grounds for transmission. Children in daycare with other children or preschool are highly exposed to illness. This results in them getting sick more frequently. The silver lining of this is that they build immunity much faster. This means they do not get as sick when they are in elementary school.
Habits and Hygiene
Young children touch a variety of surfaces throughout the day. Cold viruses can live on hard surfaces for hours. They also touch their faces a lot. Children do not have the hygiene skills to reduce their exposure. They may not wash their hands unprompted. They may also not understand that they should cover their mouth when they sneeze or cough. These habits lead to higher exposure to respiratory illnesses that can make them feel sick.
Seasonal Peaks
Respiratory illnesses also come in waves, as they are most common during the fall and winter seasons. During this time, children spend more time indoors together. The dry winter air can also reduce mucus in the nose. This weakens the body’s natural defenses against viruses. Taking proactive measures during these seasons can help. However, children getting sick is a part of building a stronger immune system.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Respiratory illnesses are common in children. However, there are indications that you need to call a medical professional. If your child has recurring infections, it is time to contact a professional at the asthma and sleep institute. Repeated infections require a closer look from a specialist. There may be an underlying issue that is making things worse. Another reason to contact a specialist is if your child has breathing problems that impact their sleep. Nighttime symptoms are a warning sign that deserves medical attention. A medical professional can evaluate your child’s symptoms and create a customized treatment plan.
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