Breathing problems are always scary, particularly when it is an infant who is having trouble breathing. It is normal for babies get sick several times during the first year of life, and the number of illnesses generally increases if the baby is attending daycare. It is important for parents to be able to identify when their baby's troubled breathing is cause to contact a doctor or go to an emergency room.
Common Cold
Chances are your baby will catch a cold more than once in her first few months of life. Although not life-threatening, it can be distressing for you and your baby. Coughing and a stuffy nose are typical cold symptoms and both can cause your child to have trouble breathing. Because there is no cure for a cold, the best you can do for your baby is try to alleviate his symptoms. Clear his nose with a nasal aspirator, put a humidifier in his room and slightly elevate the head of his crib.
Croup
You can often determine if your child has croup by listening to his cough. It is caused by inflammation of the airways, and this causes the distinctive "croupy" cough, which is described as hoarse and bark-like. Your child may also have cold-like symptoms, such as a stuffy nose or fever while she has croup. The best way to ease breathing trouble caused by croup is to have your child inhale warm moist air. You can accomplish this by sitting with your child in the bathroom while running a hot shower. Never put your child under hot water.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a fairly common virus that most young children will have at least once. RSV causes symptoms very much like those of a cold and isn't by itself a serious condition. However, RSV can lead to other infections, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis, which can be dangerous, particularly for infants. Therefore, if your child has a cold with a worsening cough, high fever, vomiting or unusually rapid breathing, contact your pediatrician right away.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia, a lung infection, can be a serious condition in infants. Pneumonia can be caused by several viruses and bacteria, which makes it difficult to treat with prescription medications. If you suspect that your child has pneumonia, it is important to consult your pediatrician right away. Look for symptoms, such as a heavy cough, fever, decreased appetite and wheezing. In severe cases, pneumonia can impede the body from getting enough oxygen. If your child's lips or fingernails look blue, go to the emergency room immediately.
Choking
Although breathing difficulties are usually caused by illness, the sudden onset of breathing trouble could mean that your child is choking. If you believe your child is choking and she is still coughing or making noises, encourage her to continue coughing. This is the best way for her to bring up whatever she is choking on. If your child is choking and not making any noises, this means that her airway is completely blocked. Begin performing the infant Heimlich maneuver and call 911 immediately.
