Shortness of breath in babies, identify the types and dangers for health

When you breathe, the respiratory system will supply oxygen to the blood to be distributed to all parts of the body. That is why shortness of breath in babies cannot be underestimated. In some cases, this can be a sign that your little one has a certain disease that requires immediate treatment. However, there are also baby breathing problems that you don't need to worry about too much.

Wheezing is not necessarily a sign of shortness of breath in a baby

For newborns, it is normal for him to make occasional sounds when he breathes. This does not mean that your little one is experiencing shortness of breath, so you don't need to worry. The lungs and nose of the baby are still adapting to the new environment, which is different from the one in the womb.

Respiratory organs must begin to get used to a dry environment and breathe air. This baby's breath sounds that look similar to shortness of breath in babies and is likely to last for a few weeks and is nothing to worry about.

However, there are also baby breath sounds which indicate that your little one is suffering from a certain disease. Here are some types of baby breath sounds and their causes. With this, you can find out whether the sound of breath in your little one is dangerous or not.

• Wheezing (breath sounds like a low whistle or whistle giggled). The baby's breath sounds like this is caused by a small blockage in the airway, possibly due to a narrowed airway. A whistling sound can also be a sign of wheezing, which is caused by a blockage in the lower airway that makes a whistling sound when the baby exhales. Wheezing can be a common symptom of both asthma and lower respiratory tract infections. This can cause shortness of breath in babies.
• High-pitched, shrill voice, aka stridor or laryngomalacia. This sound is usually heard when the baby takes a breath. This sound of the baby's breath is caused by the condition of the baby's airway which is narrower and softer. This is usually harmless and can go away when your little one is two years old.
• Hoarseness when crying and coughing. This one sounding baby's breath is caused by a blockage of the mucus in the larynx. This can be a symptom of croup, which is an infection of the larynx, trachea, and bronchial tubes.
• Pneumonia. Your baby's breathing is fast and short, usually caused by pneumonia which begins with fluid in the smallest airways or alveoli. Pneumonia makes your little one's breath short and fast, coughs constantly, and makes a hoarse sound when listened to with a stethoscope. The cause of shortness of breath in this baby you need to worry about

Quickly go to the pediatrician or to the ER if your little one experiences this

As mentioned above, baby's breath sounds are normal. However, immediately contact a pediatrician or go to the Emergency Room immediately if the breath sounds accompanied by the following signs as reported by WebMD:

• Your little one breathes more than 60 or 70 times a minute.
• Your baby is grunting constantly, baby's nostrils are widened, and difficulty with every breath. This means he is trying to open a blocked airway.
• The little one let out a high-pitched hoarse voice and coughed heavily.
• Retraction, when the muscles in the chest and neck of the child appear to fluctuate more intensely than usual when the baby breathes. The chest can appear sunken.
• His breath was stopped for more than 10 seconds.
• Your little one's lips look bluish. This means that the blood in the body is not getting enough oxygen from the lungs.
• No appetite.
• Looks sluggish.
• Have a fever.

If you are confused about whether your baby's wheezing breath experienced by your little one can cause shortness of breath in your baby or not, it is recommended to immediately consult a specialist to get the best treatment.

x