Information about respiratory illnesses in children

The UK is experiencing an increase in babies, children and young people coming to hospital for respiratory illnesses. Typically, on average, babies and young children generally have 8-12 viral infections per year. However, due to Covid-19, social distancing and lockdowns over the past 18 months, there has been limited transmission of these viruses within the community. As a result of this, children and young people are currently more susceptible to various viral infections which they would have already typically gained immunity too.

If infected with a viral illness, self-care at home is often sufficient, however should your child have any of the below symptoms, it is important that you seek the appropriate support and help.

If your child is in an emergency

 

If your child has any of the following

Red 

If your child has any of the following: 

  • Abnormal colour (pale, purple or blue)
  • Very noisy or irregular breathing
  • Unable to feed
  • Floppy and lethargic or extremely agitated
  • A new rash that doesn't disappear when you hold a glass against it

You need urgent help. 

Go to the nearest hospital A&E or phone 999

Amber 

If your child has any of the following: 

  • Breathing is hard work - they suck in their ribs
  • Breathing is sometimes noisy or irregular
  • No wet nappies for 12 hours
  • Shivering or complaining of muscle pain
  • Raise temperature for more than 5 days

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today. 

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111.

Green

If your child has none of the above symptoms:

  • Make sure they have enough water and milk
  • Look out for signs it could be getting worse

Self care. 

Continue providing your child's care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 - dial 111. 

 

Asthma

Read our leaflet: Asthma support and guidance - leaflet. [pdf] 783KB

Asthma is a common respiratory condition, affecting all ages, with one in eleven children or young people diagnosed and currently on treatment in the UK. Asthma can be well managed if your child is on the right treatment and using the correct inhaler technique. 

Asthma attacks can be caused by many different triggers, such as: viral illness, dust, cleaning products, perfumes, car fumes, tobacco smoke and many more.

During an asthma attack, the tiny airways (bronchioles) become inflamed which leads to secretions pooling in the airways and muscles tightening around the outside. This reduces air entering and exiting the lungs which makes it harder to breath and in turn causes coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and a wheeze (whistling sound on exhalation).

Harder to breathe

This can be distressing but your child’s breathing and oxygen saturations will be regularly monitored. With the use of various oxygen forms and medication, your
child’s airways will gradually open and alleviate symptoms.

Diet

Your child will be encouraged to maintain their foods and fluids. However, if they are very unwell, a drip may be inserted to ensure they remain hydrated.

We're here to help

If you have any concerns, please come and talk to us. Our nurses and doctors are always happy to answer questions.

Hometime

Once your child is eating and drinking and breathing more easily, they will be discharged to go home. In addition to this, they will be advised on how to take their Salbutamol (blue inhaler).

Bronchiolitis

Read our leaflet: Bronchiolitis support and guidance - leaflet.pdf [pdf] 237KB

Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection that affects babies and young children under the age of two years of age. In fact, one in three babies will develop Bronchiolitis in their first year of life. Most cases of bronchiolitis will not need any treatment and will clear up within two to three weeks. However, some children will develop more severe symptoms and require hospital treatment.

Bronchiolitis is caused by many different viruses but most commonly, a virus known as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is transmitted by an infected person sneezing and coughing which causes tiny droplets of liquid into the air.

Harder to breathe

It is harder for babies and young children to breathe, especially when feeding and suffering with a fever. Oxygen may be provided in various forms to help alleviate
these symptoms for your child.

Feeding

Difficulties in breathing when feeding can often occur. In this case, a tube will be inserted into your child's nose which goes through to their tummy to provide them with nutrition until they can feed again.

Caring for your baby

In order to reduce the amount of stress caused to your child, we will limit touching as much as possible. However, we encourage parents to cuddle their child as long as this does not cause any further discomfort.

We're here to help

If you have any concerns, please come and talk to us. Our nurses and doctors are always happy to answer questions.

Hometime

Your child will be discharged once they are feeding around 75% of normal and their breathing has improved.

Viral Induced Wheeze

Read our leaflet:  Viral Induced Wheeze support and guidance - leaflet.[pdf] 796KB

Viral Induced Wheeze (VIW) is a common respiratory condition, which affects children between 18 months and five years old. VIW has relatively similar symptoms to Asthma, however it develops more frequently in the younger child and is not associated to an allergic disease. The only trigger is a viral illness.

VIW is where the tiny airways (bronchioles) become inflamed which leads to secretions pooling in the airways and muscles tightening around the outside. This reduces air entering and exiting the lungs which makes it harder to breath and in turn causes coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and a wheeze (whistling sound on exhalation).

Harder to breathe

This can be distressing but your child’s breathing and oxygen saturations will be regularly monitored. With the use of various oxygen forms and medication, your
child’s airways will gradually open and alleviate these symptoms.

Diet

Your child will be encouraged to maintain their foods and fluids. However, if they are very unwell, a drip may be inserted to ensure they remain hydrated.

We're here to help

If you have any concerns, please come and talk to us. Our nurses and doctors are always happy to answer questions.

Hometime

Once your child is eating and drinking and breathing more easily, they will be discharged to go home. In addition to this, they will be advised on how to take their Salbutamol (blue inhaler).