Respiratory Infections

Definition
An illness caused by acute invasion of a pathogen in the respiratory tract.  This can be viral or bacterial.

• Respiratory infections can be in the upper airway such as sinusitis, in the nose, pharyngitis in the throat, laryngitis, in the larynx, or tracheitis in the tracheal area.
• They can also be in the lower airway such as bronchitis, in the bronchi, bronchiolitis in the small bronchi, or pneumonia in the alveoli.
•  Most respiratory infections are caused by a variety of viruses.  Young children normally have 6-8 respiratory infections a year.  
• A secondary bacterial infection can develop as the body’s defenses decrease from the viral illness, allowing the colonized bacteria to increase and develop an infection. 
• Signs and symptoms include:
  • color changes in secretions, usually yellow or green,
  • secretions thicker and increased in amount,
  •  fever,
  • increased work of breathing/change in respiratory rate,
  • increased stronger cough,
  • wheezing,
  • child appears ill,
  • high pressure alarms on the ventilator which indicate an increase in peak pressure caused by secretions or inflammation.
    

• It is often difficult to determine whether an infection is a viral or a bacterial infection.
• Culturing a tracheal aspirate can help to determine if a bacterial infection is present and can guide antibiotic therapy.
• It is difficult to prevent all respiratory infections, however, measures such as good hand washing and limiting the child’s contact with ill children and adults helps to minimize the child’s exposure to viruses and bacteria.