Pediatric Neurology

Pediatric Respiratory Diseases and Disorders

Due to their increasing prevalence and severity around the world, acute and chronic respiratory disorders are becoming a global public health problem. This is due to several factors, including (i) an increased prevalence of early allergen sensitization in children; (ii) the frequent recurrence of viral infections commonly associated with children; and (iii) the increased survival of extremely preterm and frail infants born with broncho pulmonary dysplasia. All of these factors increase the likelihood of acute symptoms becoming chronic. Additionally, lung function deteriorates over time, leading to the development of chronic respiratory disorders in adulthood. About 25% of all pediatric consultations involve respiratory diseases, with asthma accounting for 10% of them. Bronchitis, acute bronchitis and respiratory infections are the other major pediatric respiratory diseases in terms of occurrence.