Publication at First Faculty of Medicine |
2003
Abstract
Sudden breathlessness and cough in children are signs of a severe disease that, if not recognized and left untreated, can lead to life threatening conditions and permanent consequences. The triad of signs, breathlessness, cough and inspiration stridor, is caused by the obstruction of upper airways mainly in the subglottic laryngitis, acute epiglottitis or on aspiration of a foreign body.
Breathlessness, cough and wheezes are, however, among the signs of lower airway obstruction, usually of pneumonia, bronchial asthma and acute bronchiolitis. A focused history taking, physical, laboratory and some additional examinations help determine the right diagnosis and start an adequate treatment.