Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 7, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
03:53

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses

Published on: November 10, 2023

1.5K

Coronavirus disease 2019 respiratory disease in children: clinical presentation and pathophysiology

Lea C Steffes1, David N Cornfield

  • 1Division of Pulmonary, Asthma and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, California, USA.

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|May 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) respiratory illness presents milder than adult cases. Research is ongoing to understand age-related differences in immune response and cell entry that protect children from severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Immunology
  • Respiratory medicine

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children exhibits a distinct, milder clinical phenotype compared to adults.
  • Early observations noted decreased disease severity in pediatric COVID-19 pneumonia.
  • Ongoing research focuses on viral cell entry efficiency and immune response timing differences between children and adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the clinical patterns, cellular pathophysiology, and epidemiology of pediatric COVID-19 respiratory disease.
  • To highlight maturation-related factors influencing disease severity differences between children and adults.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pediatric COVID-19 respiratory disease.
  • Analysis of clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and epidemiology.
  • Focus on age-related differences in disease severity.

Main Results:

  • The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 respiratory disease in children is well-defined.
  • Children generally experience milder illness compared to adults.
  • Age-related protective factors against severe disease and death are not fully understood.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric COVID-19 respiratory disease is a unique entity with a milder presentation.
  • Understanding the underlying biological mechanisms for this difference is crucial.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate age-related immune and cellular responses in pediatric COVID-19.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions09:02

Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions

Published on: September 22, 2023

1.8K
Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic09:03

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on: November 7, 2020

5.1K

Related Concept Videos

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features01:20

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
1.5K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
3.5K
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
1.5K
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
516
Common Respiratory Disorders01:31

Common Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
1.1K
Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis01:30

Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe health condition in which the mean pulmonary arterial pressure increases to 25 mmHg or more, even when the body is at rest. This high pressure in the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the lungs can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, can lead to right heart failure, and significantly affect the overall quality of life.
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
373