5 Possible causes of wheezing in babies that parents must understand

If you've heard or recently your little one makes a 'squeaky' sound when they breathe, they may be wheezing. Wheezing is a characteristic sound that occurs because the respiratory tract is narrowed. Due to this narrowing, there will be a sound like 'giggling' when the person takes a breath. Most cases of wheezing are more common in adults, but not a few of them attack when they are still babies. How come? Indeed, what is the cause of wheezing in babies?

Baby wheezing, why did it happen?

Although not always the case, about 25-30 percent of babies can experience wheezing at least once. As people get older, about 40 percent experience wheezing by age three and nearly 50 percent when they enter the age of six.

The most common reason is because the baby's lungs are smaller so that the respiratory tract through which oxygen and carbon dioxide flows are fairly narrow. In addition, the ability of the lungs to return to their original shape after taking a breath has not been optimally developed in infants. As a result, a distinctive sound appears like a soft whistle when the baby breathes.

When the baby's breath continues to make sounds like this, try to pay closer attention to whether there is something that is interfering with the breathing process.

What causes wheezing in babies?

The following conditions can cause wheezing in babies:

1. Allergies

If a baby is allergic to something, such as dust, pollen, or mites, the body will pick up on the substance as a foreign object. This condition will trigger an immune response to produce phlegm.

Babies are not able to clear their nose and throat on their own, so this phlegm stays in the narrow nasal passages and causes them to become blocked. All of these things cause the airways to narrow and cause wheezing in the baby.

2. Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a lower respiratory (lung) infection caused by a viral attack. This condition is common, especially during cold weather. Initial symptoms are characterized by runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing, and finally the baby wheezes.

Generally, bronchiolitis symptoms will last a matter of days or weeks. But in some cases, this disease can last for a month and it takes longer to heal. Babies can be treated at home or in the hospital depending on the severity of the disease.

3. Asthma

Asthma in babies is still a bit difficult to detect because the symptoms experienced are very similar to signs of other diseases. However, some babies may have sensitive airways, making them more at risk of developing asthma when exposed to triggers, such as dust, air pollution, or cigarette smoke. If this is the case, there will be coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

In fact, wheezing in a baby does not necessarily mean that he has asthma. It's just that, if the wheezing occurs continuously without stopping, the doctor can perform a series of tests to detect the initial cause.

4. GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or stomach acid reflux is a condition when stomach acid rises back into the esophagus, causing a burning feeling in the chest.

Gastric acid can enter the lungs and cause irritation and even swelling of the baby's airway. This then causes wheezing to occur in your little one.

It's best to let the baby sit for about 30 minutes after eating or breastfeeding to reduce the risk of developing stomach acid.

5. Other causes

In rare cases, wheezing in babies can signal a chronic disease. For example, immunodeficiency diseases, congenital vascular disorders, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, and so on. Pay attention if your little one has a fever of more than 38 degrees Celsius, this is a sign that his body's health is declining.

How to treat wheezing in babies?

The appropriate treatment for wheezing in babies is tailored to the cause. If this is the first time this wheezing case is occurring and it's not too severe, you can treat it yourself at home according to your doctor's instructions.

For example, by using a humidifier that will provide optimal humidity for the environment so that it helps loosen the blocked baby's respiratory tract due to wheezing. Or use bulb syringe to suck the mucus that is clogging the baby's nostrils.

You can also use a nebulizer, which is a steam engine to help relieve asthma symptoms. However, this treatment is usually only recommended by doctors if the baby's problems are related to asthma.

Not to forget, it is important to make sure the baby gets adequate fluid intake. Optimal hydration will help make your baby's airway easier.