lung in children

Overview

Your child's lungs are soft, spongy organs that take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Many different conditions can affect children's lungs, from short-term infections like colds and bronchiolitis to long-term conditions like asthma. Most lung problems in children are treatable, and the chances of recovery are very good.

Yes. Lung problems are among the most common reasons children see a doctor. Almost all children get several coughs and colds each year, and conditions like asthma affect many children worldwide.

Lung problems can affect children of any age, from newborn babies to teenagers. Babies born early, children with weakened immune systems, and those exposed to secondhand smoke are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Cough
• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing out)
• Fast breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Fever
• Runny or blocked nose

Symptoms in children

• Nostrils flaring with each breath
• Skin pulling in between or under the ribs when breathing
• Grunting sounds with breathing
• Trouble feeding or drinking
• Being unusually sleepy or hard to wake
• Hoarse voice or barking cough

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or drowsiness
• Extreme tiredness
• Breathlessness that is worse with activity
• More subtle signs that may be mistaken for aging

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections (such as cold viruses, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus)
• Bacterial infections (for example, pneumonia or whooping cough)
• Allergies and asthma triggers
• Breathing in secondhand smoke, air pollution, or other irritants
• Premature birth with immature lungs
• Inhaling a small object like a peanut or bead

Risk factors

• Premature birth or low birth weight
• Living with someone who smokes
• Family history of asthma or allergies
• Not being vaccinated against vaccine-preventable infections
• Crowded living conditions or regular exposure to air pollution

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Your child is struggling to breathe, is wheezing constantly, or cannot speak in full sentences
• Your child has a fever over 39°C (102.2°F) that does not come down, or is a baby under 3 months with a fever
• Your child is drinking very little and showing signs of dehydration (dry mouth, few wet nappies or urine)

Book a routine appointment if:

• A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
• Repeated episodes of wheezing or breathlessness
• Your child is not growing or gaining weight as expected
• You are worried about your child's breathing or overall health

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and medical history, listen to their chest with a stethoscope, and check their oxygen levels using a small clip on a finger or toe. In most cases this is enough to know what is wrong.

Tests that may be done

• Pulse oximetry (an oxygen level check)
• Chest X-ray
• A swab test from the nose or throat to check for specific viruses or bacteria
• Breathing tests (spirometry) for older children who can follow instructions
• Blood tests, if needed

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor may ask you to hold your child on your lap during the examination. Most tests are quick and painless. You may be asked to wait a little for results, and the doctor will explain what to do next in plain language.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Viral infections usually need rest, fluids, and time. Bacterial infections may need antibiotics. Chronic conditions like asthma are managed with a plan that includes avoiding triggers and using inhalers when needed.

Self-care at home

• Keep your child comfortably warm and let them rest
• Offer plenty of fluids, such as milk, water, or soup
• Use a cool-mist humidifier in their room to ease coughing
• Clean your child's nose with saline drops if they are congested
• Keep your child away from smoke and strong fumes

Medical treatments

Healthcare providers may recommend inhalers or nebulizers to open up airways, oxygen therapy for low oxygen levels, or antibiotics for a bacterial infection. For severe breathing problems, children may need care in hospital. Always follow the care plan your child's doctor or nurse gives you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for childhood lung problems. It may be used to remove an inhaled object stuck in the airway or to correct a congenital defect (a lung problem present from birth).

Living with this condition

If your child has a long-term lung condition, keep regular appointments with your healthcare team and follow the written care plan. Learn how to use any inhalers or devices correctly, and know what to do if symptoms flare up.

Lifestyle tips

• Make your home smoke-free, including the car
• Reduce exposure to dust mites, pet dander, and mold where possible
• Encourage regular handwashing to reduce infections
• Ensure your child gets enough sleep and time outdoors to play in clean air

Diet and exercise

A healthy, balanced diet supports the immune system and overall health. Most children with lung conditions can and should exercise regularly. If an activity triggers breathing problems, talk to the healthcare team about adjusting the approach rather than stopping activity.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Breathing problems can be frightening for children and parents. A child might feel anxious about an asthma attack or about being short of breath. It is normal to worry, and it helps to talk openly with children about their feelings. If anxiety affects daily life, speak to your healthcare provider.

Prevention

Not all lung problems can be prevented, but many can. Keeping your child away from tobacco smoke, staying up to date with vaccinations, and teaching good hand hygiene can greatly reduce the risk of serious lung infections.

Vaccines

Vaccines are available that can protect children from several lung infections, including flu, whooping cough, measles, and pneumococcal disease. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccinations are recommended for your child.

Screening programmes

Screening is not usually needed for healthy children, but babies born early or with known risk factors may have extra checks on their lungs and breathing.

Complications

If left untreated

• Untreated bacterial pneumonia can spread in the lungs and cause severe breathing difficulties
• Uncontrolled asthma can lead to repeated emergency visits and poor growth
• A foreign object stuck in the airway can cause inflammation, infection, or blockage
• Low oxygen levels can affect the brain and other organs if not corrected quickly

Long-term outlook

The outlook for children with lung conditions is generally very good. Many infections clear up completely with simple care. With the right treatment and support, even long-term conditions like asthma can be controlled, so children can play, learn, and thrive.

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