Respiratory problems in children can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Often, the most common respiratory problems can be treated easily with the right medication and care, however, as a parent, watching your child struggling with respiratory problems can be terrifying. Understanding the most common respiratory issues in children and how to treat them will help you stay in control and get your little one feeling back to normal in no time. Here are some of the most common respiratory problems in children and how to treat them.

#1. Asthma:

Asthma is a common respiratory issue that approximately twenty million Americans deal with on a daily basis. Some children will grow out of their asthma symptoms, whilst others will need to stay on top of it for life. Asthma causes the airways of the lungs to become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. Mild asthma symptoms can include coughing and shortness of breath, but severe asthma can lead to asthma attacks that can be deadly or fatal if left untreated. If you suspect that your child may be suffering from asthma, you should take them to the doctor as soon as possible and get the right inhalers for their condition. If your child is having an asthma attack and there’s no inhaler available, you should take them to the ER or call an ambulance straight away. Respiratory therapy can also help – see the best respiratory therapy programs if you want to learn more.

#2. Respiratory Infections:

Infections are another common cause of respiratory problems in children. Infections can occur in the upper respiratory system including the mouth, nose, throat, and sinuses, or in the lower respiratory system, which includes the lungs and bronchial tubes. In general, symptoms of a lower respiratory infection tend to be more severe and include shallow coughing, running a fever, difficulty breathing, grunting, and wheezing. However, lower respiratory infections are less common. If your child is displaying symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, a fever that occurs suddenly, or coughing when lying down, an upper respiratory infection is likely to be the problem. These are usually caused by a viral infection such as a cold or flu, which will usually go away on its own. If you’re concerned, seek medical advice.

#3. Allergies:

Allergies are a common cause of respiratory problems in both children and adults. Common signs of an allergy in children include sneezing, eyes that are itchy, puffy or watery, and a blocked or runny nose. Allergies can also lead to irritability and a loss of appetite. In some cases, severe allergic reactions can lead to anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal if left untreated. If you suspect that your child is suffering from an allergy, it’s best to have them tested as quickly as possible so that you know exactly what is triggering their symptoms. Some children with allergies will need to carry an epi-pen with them at all times, and you should inform their school and other social groups, such as after-school clubs, of the situation.

Does your child suffer from any of these common respiratory problems? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.