Lung Diseases in Children - Causes, Types and Treatment Options

Childhood interstitial lung diseases are a group of rare lung diseases that can develop in babies, children and teens. More often than not, these lung diseases in children have similar symptoms that include chronic cough, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath. They also affect the lungs in a similar manner, often damaging the tissues that surround the lung alveoli and bronchial tubes. These diseases affect the overall functioning of the lungs, reduce oxygen levels in the blood, and hamper the breathing process.

These diseases have come under the radar only in the recent past and have been studied by doctors in the last decade. Each of these diseases differs in its severity and type of treatment required. There hasn’t been much progress as to the cure but researchers have more knowledge about the causes of these diseases. It is essential to study them at a fast pace as they can be very severe and lethal in some cases. The kids are often diagnosed with lung cancer symptoms and treatment is provided accordingly from the best hospital for lung treatment in India.

Causes

Even though there has not been a lot of advancement in this area, some of the identified causes of childhood lung diseases are:

• Birth defects lead to issues in the structure and function of the lungs.

• Inherited medical conditions such as surfactant disorders.

• Immune system disorders.

• Cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.

• Exposure to substances like chemicals and molds which can irritate the lungs.

• A bone marrow or a lung transplant.

Types

Types of interstitial childhood diseases differ according to the age group these occur in. Diseases common in infancy include lung growth abnormalities, pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis, and developmental disorders among others.

Ailments occurring in children and teens include idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, alveolar haemorrhage syndrome, aspiration syndromes, and infectious diseases, ILD associated with systemic disease processes including connective tissue diseases, histiocytosis, sarcoidosis and storage diseases, and disorders of the comprised immune system.

Treatment

Given that childhood lung diseases are very rare, there is little research done on them. At the moment there is no definitive cure for these treatments. However, some cases improve over time. In extreme cases, if need be, treatment of childhood lung diseases is done by supportive therapy, medicines, and lung transplant.

If you feel that your child is facing lung issues and having problems with normal breathing, take them to the doctor at the earliest to ensure that the child is safe and not undergoing any major health concerns. CARE Hospitals is an advanced lung cancer hospital with a medical facility that can take care of all your needs. They have some of the best cancer specialists in Musheerabad. Take your child to them for precise diagnosis and treatment.