Breathing problems in children

Breathing problems in children can happen for a number of reasons. Some causes are mild and usually clear up on their own. Others are more serious and need treatment from a healthcare professional.

It can be very worrying when your child is wheezing or seems to be having difficulty breathing. Always trust your instinct.

If your child looks well and their breathing problems get better after a short time, there is normally no need to worry.

Breathing problems in children can show up in several ways. The common symptoms are:

• a runny or blocked nose (this is often caused by a cold or flu, but allergies can cause it too)
• a cough
• fast or irregular breathing
• flaring nostrils
• wheezing

Your child:

• has lips or skin that are turning pale, blue or grey (on brown or black skin this is easier to see on the palms of their hands)
• has severe difficulty breathing, and may make grunting noises or suck their stomach in under their ribcage
• is breathing fast or stops or pauses
• is pulling in at their throat area or their windpipe is more prominent
• is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (they may find it difficult to focus on you or are more difficult to wake up than usual)
• has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it (use the glass test for meningitis)
• is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (101°F) or above and has not had a vaccination in the past 2 days
• is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 36°C (97°F) or less and has not had a vaccination in the past 2 days

Contact a doctor urgently if your child:

• is more short of breath than usual
• looks to be in pain when breathing in or coughing
• seems confused, dizzy or lightheaded
• feels sick or is being sick, for example they can't keep food or fluids down
• is coughing up blood (haemoptysis)
• has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration
• has a very high or low temperature, for example they feel either hot or cold to touch, or are shivering
• has a distinctive barking cough

If you can't reach a doctor, phone the 16263 health line.

It can be distressing when you think your child is working harder to breathe. There are certain things to look out for, including if:

• they're sucking in their stomach under their ribcage
• it looks like they're sucking in the middle of their neck above their collarbone (this is known as tracheal tug)
• they're making unusual noises, like a grunting sound
• they're showing signs of see saw breathing, which is when the chest sucks in as they breathe in and expands as they breathe out

Always trust your instincts and seek medical attention if you're worried.

Babies breathe faster than adults and older children. It's normal for a newborn baby to pause slightly for a few seconds while breathing. They may also breathe quicker for a short period. By 6 weeks old, their breathing should be more regular.

If your baby is unwell, their breathing rate may stay raised for longer. You may also notice they're working harder to breathe, for example when they're feeding. Get medical attention from a doctor if your baby is too breathless to feed.

Most breathing problems in children are caused by viral and bacterial infections. Respiratory infections are very common, but they don't explain every case.

Common causes of breathing problems in children include:

• Viral infections: these cause most upper respiratory infections, including the common cold and sore throat. Bronchiolitis and croup are other common viral infections.
• Bacterial infections: these, including pneumonia and sepsis, can cause breathing problems in children.
• Asthma: a long-term condition caused by inflammation of the airways in the lungs.
• Allergies: these, including hay fever, are a common cause. They can cause a runny nose, sneezing and sore eyes. Allergies can also trigger asthma symptoms.

Other causes can include:

• a blockage of the airway, such as a small piece of food or a foreign object like a small toy
• long-term health conditions that affect your breathing, such as cystic fibrosis
• breathing in cigarette smoke