Bronchiolitis is a viral respiratory infection of the small airways or bronchioles and most commonly seen in young children between 2 months to 2 years of age. In children with bronchiolitis the small airways get swollen and there is lots…

A nebulizer is a small machine which is used for children and adults having respiratory problems. Nebulizer helps to effectively deliver medicines to the lungs. The medicine used in nebulizer is in the form of a liquid. The nebulizer converts…

Snoring is a hoarse or a harsh sound produced from the nose or mouth of a child that happens when breathing is partially obstructed while sleeping. Although snoring is common and can be seen in up to 10% of individuals,…

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is grinding or clenching of teeth. Teeth grinding (bruxism) is common in children with almost 20-30 % children grinding their teeth in sleep. Teeth grinding (bruxism) can be seen during the day while awake but…

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common problem in children, although it is highly unrecognised and under diagnosed. Almost 10% of children are thought to snore, of which 10% of children will have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Overall, 1 to…

QuantiFERON test (QFT) is a blood test which helps in the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). QuantiFERON test (QFT) is an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA). It is considered to be an alternative test to tuberculin skin test or Mantoux test…

Home non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is increasingly used world-wide for children and adults who have chronic respiratory illness with problems in breathing [respiratory failure]. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) delivers ventilation support via a nasal/face mask helping the child to breathe and improves…

Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Tuberculosis is defined as TB caused by an isolate that shows resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampicin. Treatment of children with Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Tuberculosis is quite complicated. Inappropriate treatment can cause extensive damage…

Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis or commonly called MDR-TB is a condition where the TB bacteria is resistant to the most important tuberculosis medicines i.e. isoniazid and rifampicin. Delay in diagnosis of tuberculosis and especially drug resistant tuberculosis is common in India. Who…

Bones of the face around the nose have hollow air spaces which are called sinuses. There are four sets of sinuses located in the cheekbones (maxillary sinuses), forehead (frontal sinuses), between the eyes (ethmoidal sinuses) and behind the eyes and…

Pets can be lovely to have at home but sometimes can lead to allergies like asthma, nasal and eye allergies making life miserable. Children with pet allergies experience sneezing, runny nose, itchy & watery eyes, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and…

Asthma is the most common respiratory disease seen world over and impacts under five children as well. This article briefly describes the management of children with asthma under 5 years of age. Why is diagnosis of asthma difficult in children…

Severe allergy reactions (also called anaphylaxis) can occur with allergy to food, drugs, insect bites and latex. Anaphylaxis is rapid in onset and has a potential to cause death of a child. The treatment of choice is to give immediate…

Many children, adolescents and young adults develop symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness during or after exercise. Symptoms associated with exercise could be due to many causes like poor physical capacity, exercise induced laryngeal obstruction, exercise…

Nasal spray is commonly prescribed in children or adults with nasal allergy (also called as allergic rhinitis). Nasal spray is considered to be the best way to deliver medicine in the nose. Correct use of nasal spray ensures proper delivery…

Most common types of inhalers used for treatment of asthma in children and adolescents are metered dose inhalers (MDI) and dry powder inhalers (DPI). What is a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)? In a metered dose inhaler (MDI) the medicine is…