Normal breathing is the inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide. All systems of the body depend on the airway structure working properly to provide an adequate supply of oxygenated blood. Breathing becomes difficult when there is an obstruction, injury or disease in the airway. Age, physical condition, infections, injuries, genetic abnormalities, diseases and the environment have an affect on the normal breathing process.
Nasal Flaring
Nasal flaring is a type of nasal breathing where an effort to inhale more air causes the opening to the nostrils to enlarge. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that nasal flaring is more common in young children and infants. Causes of nasal flaring include acute asthma, any airway obstruction, croup, pneumonia and transient rapid breathing of the newborn. Seek immediate medical care if the lips or skin turns to a bluish color.
Stridor
Stridor describes a type of breathing that has a high-pitched sound caused by an obstruction in a child's upper airway. The upper airway includes the nose, nasal cavity, ethmoidal air cells, sinuses, larynx and trachea, according to Children's Hospital Boston. Stridor is more easily heard when the child inhales. Causes include congenital abnormalities, infections and trauma to any area of the upper airway. Treatment of stridor includes medications to reduce airway swelling and surgery, if indicated.
Wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched sound caused by air movement through a narrow passage due to an obstruction, compression or thick secretions. Merck Manuals states that wheezing is heard during expiration and inspiration, but is more common during expiration. Conditions that can cause wheezing include acute bronchitis, an allergic reaction, asthma, left-sided heart failure with pulmonary edema, endobronchial tumors and inhaled irritants, such as cleaning chemicals. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and may include bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
Rapid Shallow Breathing
Rapid shallow breathing is a medical emergency if accompanied by fever, shortness of breath and chest pain. MedlinePlus reports that a normal breathing rate for an adult is eight to 16 breaths per minute, and a normal rate for infants is up to 44 breaths per minute. Causes for rapid shallow breathing include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism and chest pain. Chronic asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may require the use of an inhaler as prescribed by a physician.
Bradypnea
A sudden onset of bradypnea, an abnormally slow breathing rate--fewer than eight breaths per minute for adults and 30 for infants younger than a year old--is a medical emergency. Causes of bradypnea include respiratory failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, head injury, drowning, anesthesia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, head injury, liver failure and cardiac arrest.
