The Burden of Respiratory Disease in Childhood

Abstract

Respiratory disease is an acute or chronic illness affecting the airways and other structures of the lungs. Asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis are the most common respiratory diseases which affect children. Respiratory disease strains health-care resources due to the doctor and hospital visits and the cost of treatment. Further, it can significantly impact on child’s health and is a fundamental cause of missed school days, limitations of activities, and social interaction. The prevalence of respiratory diseases in children increased significantly over the last decade, possibly because of different exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution, lifestyle, and respiratory infection. Certain risk factors appear to predispose children to develop respiratory disease, including genetic predisposition and exposure to environmental triggers. This article discusses the burden, prevalence, risk factors, and treatment associated with a pediatric respiratory disorder.