6 important respiratory illnesses in kids: Detection, treatments, and the role of a compounding pharmacy in treating some of them

There are different things that can cause respiratory illnesses in children. The most common cause is the common cold, which is caused by a virus. Believe it or not, the common cold virus is a coronavirus and from the same virus family as the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)! Other respiratory illnesses can be caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia. These illnesses can make it hard for kids to breathe, and they often need to see a doctor or go to the hospital. In some cases, kids can even die from respiratory illnesses. That’s why it’s important for parents to know the signs and symptoms of these illnesses and to take their children to the doctor if they think they might have one.

In this article, we will discuss the major respiratory illnesses that could affect kids and how compounded medications and a compounding pharmacy could help treat some of those illnesses.

1. Respiratory illnesses can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening.

Respiratory illnesses are a leading cause of death in children, accounting for nearly 20% of all deaths in children under five. The majority of these deaths are preventable with proper medical care and treatment.

There are many different types of respiratory illnesses, ranging from mild to severe. The most common respiratory illnesses include COVID-19, colds, flu, bronchiolitis, croup, pneumonia, and Tuberculosis. These illnesses can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or other airborne particles.

COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe, many parents are left wondering if their children are at risk. While the virus has primarily affected adults, there have been many cases in kids.

So far, most kids who have contracted COVID-19 have had mild symptoms. Fever, cough, and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms in kids, just as they are in adults. However, it’s important to remember that children can still develop serious complications from the virus, so they should be monitored closely.

There is still a lot unknown about COVID-19 and how it affects children, but the good news is that kids seem to be less susceptible to the severe outcomes of the virus than adults. So far, the mortality rate for kids with COVID-19 has been very low.

If your child becomes sick with COVID-19, it’s important to keep them isolated from other household members. This will help prevent the spread of the virus to others. Make sure they have plenty of fluids and rest, and monitor their symptoms closely. Call your doctor immediately if their condition worsens or they develop new symptoms.

With the number of cases of COVID-19 continuing to rise and fall, it’s important to take precautions to protect your family. Wash your hands regularly, practice social distancing, and stay home as much as possible (If your provincial or local governments instruct you to do so). Following these simple guidelines can help keep your family safe during this pandemic.

Colds and flu

Colds and flu are caused by viruses, and generally, they are the most common type of respiratory illness. Symptoms can include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and a fever.

Colds usually last a few days, but the flu can last for several weeks.

When it comes to colds and flu in kids, Calgary is no stranger to these pesky illnesses. As any parent knows, watching your child suffer through a cold or the flu can be heartbreaking. But don’t despair – there are ways to help your little one feel better and return to their usual self in no time.

The first step is understanding the difference between a cold and the flu. A cold is caused by a virus and usually includes symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, and a sore throat. On the other hand, the flu is caused by a different virus and tends to be more severe, with symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue.

If your child is displaying symptoms of either a cold or the flu, the best thing you can do is keep them home from school and daycare to prevent the spread of the illness. Have them rest as much as possible and drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. You can also give them over-the-counter medication to help with symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and fever.

In most cases, colds and the flu will resolve on their own within a week or two. However, if your child’s symptoms seem to be worsening, or if they develop a new symptom like a rash, it’s important to call your doctor. In rare cases, the flu can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, so it’s always best to avoid being infected with it in the first place.

With a little care, most children will return to their usual selves in no time. In the meantime, try to enjoy the extra snuggles – they’ll be back to school before you know it!

It is noteworthy that recent cold and flu statistics are considerably lower than in previous years due to following the mask mandates and social distancing that were initially dedicated to the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory illness in young children. It is caused by a virus and is characterized by inflammation of the small airways in the lungs (bronchioles). Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Bronchiolitis usually lasts for 1-2 weeks.

Most children with bronchiolitis will recover on their own with rest and plenty of fluids. However, some children may require hospitalization for supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and IV fluids. In very rare cases, bronchiolitis can lead to respiratory failure and death.

Bronchiolitis is most common in infants and young children, particularly those under 6 months of age. It is typically seen during the fall and winter months.

There is no specific treatment for bronchiolitis. However, there are some things that can be done to help relieve symptoms and make your child more comfortable:

• Offer clear fluids often, such as water, breast milk, or formula. Avoid sugary drinks.
• Use a humidifier to moisten the air.
• Sit upright to help your child breathe more easily.
• Apply a cool-mist vaporizer to the chest or back.
• Avoid smoke and other irritants.

If your child is having difficulty breathing, is not drinking enough fluids, or is not improving after a few days, call your doctor.

Croup

Croup is another respiratory illness that is caused by a viral infection of the larynx, the part of the throat that contains the vocal cords. That can affect young children, typically those aged 6 months to 3 years.

Croup usually starts with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, fever, and a slight cough. These symptoms can progress to a loud, barking cough and difficulty breathing within a day or two. In some cases, croup can also cause a hoarse voice.

Croup is usually mild and resolves on its own within a week. However, in some cases, it can be severe, particularly if it’s accompanied by a high fever.

There are a few different types of croup, depending on the cause. The most common type is viral croup, which is caused by a virus such as parainfluenza or influenza. Bacterial croup is less common and is caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumonia. Spasmodic croup is a type of croup that responds to an irritant, such as cold air.

Croup can be treated with medication, such as corticosteroids, which can help to reduce swelling in the larynx. Since corticosteroids are not available in liquid form (the most suitable form for kids), a compounding pharmacy must prepare and compound them for the affected kid. Normally, the prepared corticosteroid compound is only one dose that depends on the kid’s weight.

In Calgary, Chaparral Pharmacy – Remedy’s Rx can help you compound that very important one-dose, an anti-Croup corticosteroid.

In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. Croup is generally mild, but it can be serious, so it’s important to seek medical help if your child has difficulty breathing.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory illness caused by bacteria and can affect people of all ages.

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection. It’s more common in kids under 5 and can be deadly. Symptoms include coughing, rapid breathing, and fever.

Most kids with pneumonia can be treated at home with rest, fluids, and fever-reducing medicine. But some kids might need to be hospitalized.

Pneumonia is caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. It can be spread through the air or by contact with an infected person’s respiratory secretions (like saliva or mucus).

Pneumonia can be serious, especially in young children and infants. If your child has pneumonia, call the doctor right away.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious lung infection that is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When a person has TB disease, it means that the TB bacteria are actively growing in their body and causing damage. TB disease can make a person very sick. They might have a bad cough that lasts for 3 weeks or more, pain in the chest, trouble breathing, sweating at night, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, and fever.

Most kids who get TB can be cured after a few months of medicine. The medicine kills the TB bacteria. It’s important that your child takes all of the medicine for the full time that the doctor prescribes. If your child doesn’t take all of the medicine, the TB bacteria can become resistant to the medicine. That means that the medicine won’t work to treat the infection.

While most respiratory illnesses are mild and can be treated at home, some can be severe and require hospitalization. Children with severe respiratory illness may need to be placed on a ventilator to help them breathe.

If your child has any symptoms of a respiratory illness, it is important to seek medical care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.

2. Early detection and treatment of respiratory illnesses are crucial in preventing serious health complications in kids.

Regarding respiratory illnesses in kids, early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing serious health complications. By catching these illnesses early on, we can avoid any potential problems that could arise from them later on down the road.

Parents can do a few things to help detect respiratory illnesses early on. First, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these illnesses. If your child shows any signs of a respiratory illness, it’s important to take them to the doctor immediately.

If you think your child may be having difficulty breathing, you should first look at their chest to see if it’s moving up and down evenly. If you notice any unevenness or if your child’s breathing appears laboured, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Another thing that parents can do is to get their kids vaccinated against respiratory illnesses. These vaccines can help prevent your child from getting sick in the first place.

If your child gets a respiratory illness, it’s important to treat it immediately. The sooner you start treatment, the better the chances your child will recover fully. So, to recap, early detection and treatment of respiratory illnesses are crucial in preventing serious health complications in kids. By being aware of the signs and symptoms of these illnesses, and by getting your child vaccinated and starting treatment early, you can help ensure that your child stays healthy and complication-free.

As discussed before, a compounding pharmacy could be one of the defence lines against respiratory illnesses, especially croup and other diseases that require special doses or strengths that are not commercially available.

3. Taking steps to prevent respiratory illnesses, such as getting the flu vaccine, is the best way to keep your child healthy.

When it comes to respiratory illnesses, prevention is always the best medicine. There are a few simple steps you can take to help keep your child healthy and avoid respiratory illnesses:

1. Make sure your child gets vaccinated. Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent respiratory illnesses. Chaparral Pharmacy provides vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
2. Keep your child away from sick people. If someone in your home is sick, ensure they stay in a separate room from your child.
3. Encourage your child to wash their hands often. This is especially important before they eat, after they use the bathroom, and after they play outside.
4. Help your child avoid exposure to tobacco smoke. If you smoke, quit. If someone else in your home smokes, ask them to smoke outside.
5. Keep your child’s bedroom clean and dust-free. Dust mites are a common trigger of respiratory illnesses.

By following these simple steps, you can help keep your child healthy and avoid respiratory illnesses.

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