[The dyspneic infant. Interpretation of symptoms of lower airway disorders in the first year of life]

Abstract

A number of age-related anatomical and physiological factors place the respiratory system of the neonate and young infant in a potentially vulnerable position during disease states. Maintenance of a lung volume necessary for effective gas exchange is compromised by the floppy chest wall, the relatively stiff lungs and the horizontal position of the body. Respiratory muscles are prone to fatigue in case of increased respiratory loads and fail to move the rib cage efficiently. Many signs of lower airway disease, observed during the physical examination of the young infant, can be related to these factors. Awareness of them helps in the interpretation of these symptoms in order to make the correct diagnosis and to initiate treatment.