When breathing seems harder than usual, a careful check puts the right care in place
Respiratory infections are common in children, from colds to chest infections. A pediatric respiratory infection consultation looks at breathing, finds where the infection is, and decides what care is needed.
Just a runny nose and mild cough? The cold or cough consultation may be the right fit.
See Cold Consultation →Most infections are viral and get better on their own
Infections of the nose and throat are very common. Those that reach the chest, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, need closer attention, because children can tire from breathing quickly. The consultation looks at how hard your child is working to breathe.
What a respiratory infection consultation covers
Where the infection is, and how it is affecting breathing.
Breathing rate and effort
Fast breathing, flaring nostrils, and drawing in at the ribs are signs of distress.
Chest examination
Listening for wheeze, crackles and other sounds.
Fever and general state
How alert, active and well your child is.
Nose, throat and ears
Upper-airway infections and their complications.
Feeding and hydration
Tired children, especially babies, may struggle to feed.
Risk factors
Age, prematurity, smoke exposure, asthma and vaccination status.
Get urgent help if a child with a chest infection
Don't wait for a routine appointment.
- Is breathing fast, or pulling in at the ribs or neck
- Has grunting or noisy breathing
- Turns blue or pale around the lips
- Is too breathless to feed, talk or play
- Is very drowsy or hard to wake
- Is younger than three months with a fever or cough
- Has a high fever and looks unwell
- Is unable to drink, or shows dehydration
The infections we assess
Different infections affect different parts of the airway.
Colds and throat infections
Nose, throat and tonsils.
Croup
A barking cough and noisy breathing, mainly in young children.
Bronchiolitis
Wheezy, fast breathing in babies, often with a cold.
Pneumonia
Infection of the lungs, with fever, cough and fast breathing.
What your child's visit includes
A conversation about the illness
When it began, how breathing has changed, and how your child is eating and sleeping.
Checking breathing carefully
Breathing rate, effort, and oxygen if needed.
A full examination
Chest, throat, ears and general condition.
Tests, only where useful
A chest X-ray or other test is advised only when it will change the care.
Treatment and a follow-up plan
Care at home or further treatment, and exactly what to watch for.
What to bring
Helping the doctor see the full picture
Notes on the illness
When it began, fever, cough, feeding.
Medicines already given
And how your child responded.
The vaccination card
Some vaccines protect against serious chest infections.
Past chest problems
Wheeze, asthma, premature birth or earlier infections.
Dr. K. Sushma
Dr. Sushma gives careful attention to breathing, because it is the clearest sign of how a child with a chest infection is doing.
Questions parents often ask
Breathing that is noticeably faster than usual, with effort at the chest or neck, is a warning. Don't wait to see if it settles. Seek care promptly.
Most children are managed at home. Admission is advised if breathing is troubled, oxygen is low, or your child can't feed or drink.
Many are viral and don't. If a bacterial infection is likely, your doctor will advise appropriately.
Vaccinations, handwashing, breastfeeding, a smoke-free home and avoiding crowded, sick contacts all help.
Concerned about your child's breathing?
Book a consultation with Dr. K. Sushma at our Pragathi Nagar clinic.
