Respiratory infections in the young child

Abstract

Infants and young children are prone to respiratory infections for at least immunological, physiological and social reasons. Their inherent immunity diminishes within months after birth. Immunological protection has to be developed naturally through infection or artificially by immunization. The alveoli continue to increase in number throughout infancy, but the pulmonary reserve remains very limited. Low lung recoil, floppy chest wall and weak respiratory muscles add to the risk of atelectasis of the growing lung. Social factors, e.g. day care, passive smoking and personal hygiene, are of even more pratical importance as they can be influential. In selecting appropriate treatment, it is not sufficient simply to prescribe an antimicrobial agent; these additional factors should also be taken into account. Treatment of respiratory infections in the young is sometimes more of an art than a science.