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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery
Published on: February 14, 2019
[The child with dyspnoea]
1Fachbereich Pneumologie, Universitäts-Kinderklinik Zürich, Zürich.
Insights
Acute dyspnoea is a common paediatric emergency. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of upper airway conditions like croup, foreign body aspiration, and epiglottitis are critical for a child
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
- Otolaryngology
Context:
- Acute dyspnoea frequently presents as a paediatric emergency.
- Pediatric airway anatomy differs significantly from adults, predisposing to upper airway obstruction.
- Upper airway diseases are primary causes of acute respiratory insufficiency in young children.
Purpose:
- To highlight the common causes of acute dyspnoea in children.
- To emphasize the importance of clinical evaluation in diagnosing respiratory distress.
- To underscore the critical need for prompt management of pediatric respiratory emergencies.
Summary:
- Common causes of acute dyspnoea in children include croup syndrome, foreign body aspiration, and epiglottitis.
- A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential for evaluating acute dyspnoea.
- Early recognition and intervention for respiratory insufficiency are vital for optimal outcomes.
Impact:
- Facilitates timely diagnosis and treatment of pediatric respiratory emergencies.
- Reduces the risk of long-term complications associated with acute respiratory insufficiency.
- Improves prognostic outcomes for children experiencing acute dyspnoea.
Abstract:
Acute dyspnoea is one of the most frequent paediatric emergencies in clinical practice. The anatomy of paediatric airways is different from that of adults. This explains the domination of upper airway diseases as causes of acute respiratory insufficiency in small children. The most common causes for acute dyspnoea in this age group represent Croupsyndrom, foreign body aspiration and epiglottitis. A careful history and physical examination usually provides valuable guidance in the evaluation of the child with acute dyspnoea. Prompt recognition and appropriate treatment of imminent respiratory insufficiency are criticalfor excellent prognosis and will minimise the risk of long-term complications.
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