There are a number of conditions that can affect your child’s breathing and lungs (respiratory system). At King’s College Hospital Dubai our specialists can diagnose and treat a wide range of pediatric respiratory conditions that affect children including:
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Asthma
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Bleeding into the lungs
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Breathing problems
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Bronchiectasis
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Bronchiolitis
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Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
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Children’s interstitial lung disease
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Congenital lung abnormalities
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Cystic fibrosis
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Eosinophilic lung conditions
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Funnel chest
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Lung tumours
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OSA in children
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Pigeon chest
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Pneumonia
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Pneumothorax
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Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)
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Pulmonary hypertension
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Pulmonary vasculitis
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Sarcoidosis
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Tuberculosis (TB)
We understand that if your child has a diagnosis of a breathing or lung condition you may feel very anxious, particularly if your child has already been very unwell. Our staff are always on hand to answer any questions and offer advice and reassurance at every stage of his or her treatment journey.
What are the early risks?
In some babies, the lungs don’t grow correctly before they are born. Premature babies have a higher risk of lung problems because their lungs are not fully developed and they are more likely to have an infection.
Other early risks to your child’s lung health include genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, as well problems caused by being born prematurely, having a low birthweight, lungs that don’t develop normally before birth, and allergies including asthma.
Childhood risks
Most children will have respiratory infections at some point, including an infection called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Some of these children go on to develop bronchiolitis or pneumonia. This is more likely if:
- They have bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or another lung condition
- They have another health issue, for example a heart condition
- They were born prematurely
- They are very young when they have the infection
- The mother smoked during pregnancy
- They breath in someone’s cigarette smoke (passive smoking)
Not all lung conditions are infectious, but if your child keeps having symptoms, it may mean there is a problem with their lungs or they may have a breathing condition.
What are the signs and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (nose, sinuses and throat)?
These include:
- Coughing
- A runny nose (this can also be caused by an allergy such as asthma)
- A temperature
- Aches and pains
What are the signs and symptoms of lower respiratory tract infections (main airways and lungs)?
These include:
- Coughing (including vomiting during coughing) – this can be a sign of conditions including croup, bronchiolitis, whooping cough or asthma
- Difficulty breathing normally: if you think your child is breathing in an unusual way, it’s important that you get medical help straight away. Breathing problems can include:
- Faster than normal breathing (can be a sign of infection such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia)
- Wheezing (can be a sign of asthma or less common chest infections)
- Breathlessness that becomes worse (can be a sign of an asthma attack/exacerbation) or pneumonia
- Difficulty eating and drinking (because of difficulty breathing)
- Feeling drowsy
- A change in skin colour
More information/support groups
There are a number of UK-based charities that can offer helpful advice and support through their websites for children. These include The British Lung Foundation.
Our doctors have extensive experience in treating, diagnosing and providing advice to parents with children suffering from a variety of respiratory diseases. Contact us for more information and to arrange an appointment at either of our Dubai hospital or medical centres, and discuss the ideal treatment for your child.
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