RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES IN CHILDREN
Approach to the Patient and Healthy Child, Akademisyen Kitabevi, ss.79-108, 2026
- Yayın Türü: Kitapta Bölüm / Araştırma Kitabı
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.37609/akya.4205.c12376
- Yayınevi: Akademisyen Kitabevi
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.79-108
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Assessment of respiratory function, care, nursing care, respiratory diseases, respiratory system, respiratory system in children
- Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This section provides a detailed discussion of respiratory system disorders in children. The respiratory system of children differs from that of adults in both anatomical and physiological terms; it is emphasized that children are more susceptible to infections and respiratory failure due to narrow airways, incomplete alveolar development, and limited respiratory reserve. The respiratory system is examined in terms of the upper and lower airways, and the relationship between gas exchange and the respiratory mechanism and metabolic requirements in children is explained. Additionally, the importance of diagnostic methods such as physical examination, assessment of breath sounds, oxygen saturation, chest X-ray, and pulmonary function tests is highlighted. In this section, upper respiratory tract diseases - including acute rhinopharyngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, croup, sinusitis, laryngitis, and acute otitis media - are described in detail. It is noted that most of these diseases are viral in origin, are common in children, and typically present with symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, and respiratory distress. Under lower respiratory tract diseases, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and tuberculosis are discussed. It is specifically noted that bronchiolitis is common in infants, while asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease of childhood. In these conditions, early diagnosis, oxygen support, appropriate medication, ensuring hydration, and infection control are among the fundamental approaches. A significant portion of the chapter is dedicated to nursing care. The importance of a child- and family-centered care approach is emphasized; monitoring respiration, maintaining an open airway, proper positioning, family education, and infection control are identified as the fundamental elements of nursing care. It is noted that the use of non-invasive ventilation techniques, home care models, and digital monitoring systems is increasing among current approaches.