t of the chest.
- Rib cartilage is more springy in children making the chest wall less rigid. This can allow the chest wall to retract during episodes of respiratory distress and decrease tidal volume.
- The intercostal muscles that run between the ribs are not fully developed until a child reaches school age. This can make it difficult to lift the rib cage especially when lying flat on the back.
- The back of a child’s head is typically larger than in adults. This can cause the neck to flex when a child is lying on his or her back and result in a partially obstructed airway.
- Infants and children tend to have a proportionally larger tongue in relation to the space in the mouth.
- Younger children are typically nose breathers.
- The internal diameter of the airways in a child is smaller. Any inflammation or obstruction may cause more severe distress.
- In general, pediatric airways are smaller, less rigid, and more prone to obstruction.
- Children also have higher respiratory rates than adults making them more susceptible to agents in the air.
The anatomy of a child's lungs and other components of the pulmonary (respiratory) system make treating pediatric lung disease a very specialized practice. Children are unique and affective treatments and approaches need to be as well. For more information about pediatric respiratory disease please submit an online appointment request or contact the office of Dr. Peter N. Schochet at 972-981-3251.