Common lung problems in children
Asthma and your child
Are you a parent of a child with asthma? Our pages are full of tips from other parents and advice from healthcare professionals based on the latest research.
Signs of breathing problems in children
If your child is having difficulty breathing, it can be very worrying. This information tells you what signs and symptoms to look out for, what they mean, what you can do about them, and when you should ask for help.
Preschool wheeze
Find out what coughing and wheezing in your baby or child might mean, how it is different to asthma, and how you can help your child.
Protecting your child's lungs
How passive smoking affects your child's lungs
Find out how smoking or vaping around your child, or unborn baby, harms their lungs and how you can lower their risk of being affected.
How air pollution affects your child's lungs
Find out how air pollution affects your child’s lungs, even before they’re born, and how you can lower the risk.
Early life risks to your child's lungs
Find out about risks to young children’s lungs, including before they’re born, and how you can lower the risks.
Benefits for parents and carers of children
Find out what benefits you could get if your child has a lung condition.
Other lung problems in children
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RSV is a common virus that spreads from October to March each year in the UK. It mostly affects babies and older adults.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a viral chest infection that affects babies and children under two years old. Find out about symptoms, diagnosis, management and prevention.
Bronchiectasis in children
Bronchiectasis is a lung condition that affects the airways in your child’s lungs. We cover what bronchiectasis causes, diagnosis, treatment and support.
Cystic fibrosis (CF)
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited condition affecting the lungs and digestive system. It is most often diagnosed in newborn babies.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in children
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) can affect babies born prematurely, whose lungs have not developed fully in the womb.
Pneumonia in children
Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It can affect people of any age, but babies and young children are at higher risk because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
Pectus carinatum (pigeon chest)
Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of pectus carinatum, and get advice about living with pectus carinatum.
Pectus excavatum (funnel chest)
Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of pectus excavatum, and get advice about living with pectus excavatum.
Children’s interstitial lung disease (chILD)
Children’s interstitial lung disease (chILD for short) is the name for a group of rare lung conditions in children.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic condition that affects the tiny hair-like structures that help clear mucus from your airways.
Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM)
If your child has been born with a congenital lung abnormality, or if a lung abnormality such as congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) has been found on a scan, you may have lots of questions.
Eosinophilic lung conditions
An eosinophil is a type of white blood cell. A build-up of eosinophils in the lung can make it hard to breathe.
Pulmonary vasculitis
On this page, we have information for parents and carers of children who have been diagnosed with pulmonary vasculitis.
Sarcoidosis in children
Sarcoidosis is a condition which is very rare in children, where collections of tissue form lumps, called granulomas, in organs such as the lungs and skin.
Bronchiolitis obliterans
Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare condition caused by inflammation in the small airways. Find out what bronchiolitis obliterans is, how it’s treated and diagnosed, and where to find more support.
Get support
Our helpline is closed from 1pm on Wednesday 24th December 2025 and re-opens at 9:15am on Friday January 2nd 2026. Our supporter care line is also unavailable during this period. If you have a flare-up of your lung condition symptoms, contact your GP or healthcare professional or 111 for advice. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
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