Breathing Difficulties in Children

Conditions that may cause breathing difficulties:

• Asthma: Inflammation and narrowing of the airways, often triggered by allergens, exercise, or infections.
• Bronchiolitis: A viral infection affecting the small airways causing mucus build up. It’s most common in babies under 1.
• Pneumonia: A lung infection that causes inflammation and fluid in the lungs.
• Croup: A viral infection leading to swelling around the vocal cords, causing a "barking" cough.
• Allergies: Exposure to allergens like dust, pet dander, or pollen can trigger breathing issues.
• Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction where the airway may start to close.
• Inhaled Foreign Object: A choking hazard blocking the airway, causing difficulty breathing.
• Respiratory Infections: Such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) or the flu, which can cause wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Wheezing or grunting: A high-pitched whistling sound or grunting during breathing.
• Coughing: Persistent or dry cough, especially at night.
• Rapid or Shallow Breathing: Faster than normal breaths, or shallow breaths.
• Chest Tightness: A feeling of pressure or discomfort in the chest.

Severe Symptoms:

• Chest sucking in when breathing: Chest/ribs get sucked in at each breath as child struggles to inhale enough air.
• Bluish Skin (Cyanosis): A bluish colour around lips or fingertips, indicating low oxygen levels.
• Nasal Flaring: Widening of the nostrils when breathing, especially in younger children.
• Fatigue or Restlessness: Child seems unusually tired or fidgety due to difficulty breathing.
• Unable to speak normally: The child/person can’t speak normally due to lack of air.
• Anxiety, progressing to drowsiness and confusion: The child or person may become irritable and confused.
• May become unresponsive
• Children and babies may be distressed and become too weak to cry or stay awake