Lung & Respiratory Infections

Articles In This Section

• Walking Pneumonia

  Many kids with this milder version of pneumonia feel well enough to go to school. But it's important to keep kids home until after treatment kicks in and symptoms improve.

• Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

  Pertussis is characterized by severe coughing spells that end in a whooping sound when the person breathes in. It can be prevented with the pertussis vaccine, part of the DTaP immunization.

• Pneumonia

  Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by different types of germs, most commonly viruses. Read about the various types of pneumonia.

• Croup

  Croup is characterized by a loud cough that resembles the barking of a seal and difficulty breathing. Most cases of croup are caused by viruses, are mild, and can be treated at home.

• Sinusitis

  Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are common and easily treated.

• Adenovirus

  Adenoviruses account for about 10% of acute respiratory infections in kids and are a frequent cause of diarrhea.

• Influenza (Flu)

  Flu symptoms tend to develop quickly and are usually more severe than the typical sneezing and stuffiness of a cold. Yearly vaccination is the best protection against the flu.

• Bronchiolitis

  Bronchiolitis is a common illness of the respiratory tract caused by an infection that affects tiny airways - the bronchioles - that lead to the lungs.

• Measles

  Measles is best known for the skin rash it causes. Although rare, outbreaks can happen. Getting your kids fully vaccinated is the best way to protect them from this disease.

• Pneumocystis Pneumonia

  Pneumocystis pneumonia can affect infants who have AIDS, cancer, or other conditions that affect the immune system.

• Strep Throat

  Strep throat is a common cause of sore throat in kids and teens. It usually requires treatment with antibiotics, but improves in a few days.

• Scarlet Fever

  Scarlet fever is an illness with a characteristic rash that is caused by a strep infection. Learn important facts about scarlet fever in this article for parents, including how to recognize its symptoms.

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus

  Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children. Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of this contagious infection.

• Meningitis

  Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord) is treatable, but can be serious. So it's important to know the symptoms and get prompt diagnosis and treatment.

• Tuberculosis

  Tuberculosis (TB) is making a comeback in the United States today - particularly among the homeless, those in prison, and those rendered susceptible because of HIV infection.

• Diphtheria

  Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that's rare in the United States, where health officials immunize kids against it. But it's still common in developing countries where immunizations aren't given routinely.