Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Lower respiratory infections: how infants differ from adults

N T Griscom, M E Wohl, J A Kirkpatrick

    Radiologic Clinics of North America
    |December 1, 1978
    PubMed

    Insights

    Infants

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric respiratory medicine
    • Infant lung development
    • Pulmonary physiology

    Background:

    • Infants' peripheral airways are anatomically predisposed to inflammatory narrowing compared to adults.
    • Lower respiratory tract infections in infants primarily affect small airways, not alveoli.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To elucidate the primary impact of lower respiratory tract infections in infants.
    • To describe the consequences of small airway obstruction in infancy.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of clinical presentation and radiographic findings in infants with lower respiratory infections.
    • Comparison of airway susceptibility between infant and adult respiratory systems.

    Main Results:

    • Infection leads to air trapping and atelectasis due to small airway obstruction.
    • Radiographic findings include generalized hyperinflation and irregular aeration.
    • True consolidative pneumonia is less common than small airway obstruction.

    Conclusions:

    • Small airway obstruction is a frequent and significant outcome of lower respiratory infections in infants.
    • Anatomical factors contribute to infant airway vulnerability.
    • Respiratory embarrassment is a common clinical consequence.

    More Related Videos

    Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

    Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

    Published on: August 7, 2017

    Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae06:32

    Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae

    Published on: June 29, 2021

    Related Concept Videos

    Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract01:31

    Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract

    The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
    The Larynx
    It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
    Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

    Pneumonia I: Introduction

    Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
    Risk Factors
    Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
    Development of Human Microbiota01:30

    Development of Human Microbiota

    The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
    Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

    Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

    The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
    Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

    Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

    Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
    Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

    Pneumonia I: Introduction

    Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...