As children grow and develop, they sometimes are injured or develop a condition that causes sleepless nights and worry for parents. Breathing problems in children can result from a number of causes. Multiple treatments are available.
Process
In normal breathing, air moves through the airway with an inhale to take the air into the lungs. The air that comes in from the environment is rich in oxygen, which helps the body function. Oxygen is then transferred to the bloodstream from the lungs, and carbon dioxide waste gas is then exhaled. When a child has a problem breathing, there's a feeling of shortness of breath, or that he doesn't feel like enough air is getting to the lungs.
Causes
There are five main causes of breathing problems in children. There is a respiratory center in the brain that can malfunction if trauma, pressure or a chemical imbalance is present. The heart can cause breathing problems if cardiac problems are present that interfere with pumping blood to the lungs or the rest of the body. Issues with the lungs such as infection, fluid in the lungs and disease can cause breathing problems. If the respiratory muscles are weak or paralyzed, the breathing process is hindered. Airway problems such as blockage due to choking can also cause breathing problems.
Types
According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, common types of breathing problems include asthma, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, croup and flu. Asthma causes swelling and inflammation in the airways so they tighten and become narrow, making it hard for air to get through to the lungs. Bronchitis occurs when the tubes that carry air to the lungs, the bronchial tubes, are irritated and inflamed. This makes them swell and produce mucus. An infection in the small air passages to the lungs called bronchioles is called bronchiolitis. Swelling in the voice box, windpipe and breathing tubes leading to the lungs is croup. The flu is a virus that causes breathing problems, along with a cough.
Symptoms
Although the main symptom of breathing problems in children is shortness of breath, the different types of breathing problems have different symptoms to help diagnose the root cause. Asthma can cause a wheezing noise, tightness in the chest and a cough. Bronchitis presents first with a dry, hacking cough, and a low fever may be present. Bronchiolitis begins with a runny nose, fever and cough, and after a few days the shortness of breath or rapid breathing with wheezing comes on. Symptoms of croup include a barking cough, raspy voice and a crowing noise when trying to bring air in to the lungs. Flu symptoms include a fever, body aches, headache and dry cough.
Considerations
A doctor should evaluate symptoms of bronchiolitis, bronchitis, croup and asthma right away. Anytime a child experiences shortness of breath, symptoms should not be ignored. Mild breathing problems may result from a stuffy nose or exercise. Some care tips for children with breathing problems include drinking plenty of fluids, a balanced diet and receiving a flu shot.
