Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound you hear when your child breathes, usually more when exhaling. It happens when the airways get narrowed or partially blocked, making it harder for air to move freely in and out of the lungs.
While wheezing isn’t a disease itself, it can signal pediatric breathing problems such as inflammation, mucus buildup, or even a small object blocking the airway. Recurrent episodes of wheezing in children is common as their airways continue developing and their immune systems mature.
In fact, by age three, one in three children experiences at least one wheezing episode1. Understanding the symptoms and causes of wheezing in infants is crucial to helping your child breathe easier.
6 Common Causes of Wheezing in Children
Asthma
Asthma is a long-term condition in which airways swell and tighten, making breathing harder for your child and leading to wheezing. Things like allergens, exercise, or stress often trigger asthma.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections like the flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), or cold are another cause of wheezing in children. These infections inflame the airways, making breathing difficult, especially for infants and young children.
Allergic Reactions
Since children have a weaker immunity, they are more prone to allergic reactions. Allergies to pollen, pet dander, dust, or certain foods cause swelling in the airways leading to breathing sounds.
Foreign Objects
Sometimes, young children accidentally inhale small objects like food particles or tiny toys. It can partially block the breathing tubes, and cause sudden wheezing. If this happens, seek medical help immediately.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in infants that causes inflammation in the tiny airways in the lungs called bronchioles. It often leads to wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. This condition is common in babies under two years.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where a kid’s breathing frequently stops during sleep due to a blocked airway. This blockage often occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively or when enlarged tonsils and adenoids restrict airflow. OSA disrupts sleep and can lead to nighttime wheezing.
Symptoms of Wheezing in Children
A high-pitched whistling sound often signals wheezing. Besides this sound, it’s also important to look for these symptoms that may indicate a breathing issue:
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Watery eyes and dark circles
- Fever
- Intermittent coughing
- Coughing blood
- Tightness in the chest
- Lethargy or decreased energy
- Congested ears and nose
- Cyanosis (bluish tint to the lips or fingernails, indicating low oxygen)
Please take your child to a pediatric emergency if you notice these symptoms.
Diagnosis of Wheezing in Children
A thorough physical exam and the child’s medical history help the pediatrician determine the underlying cause of wheezing. In complex cases and recurrent episodes the following tests help diagnose the issue:
- Lung Function Tests: For older children, tests such as spirometry assess lung function. This aids in diagnosing conditions like asthma.
- Chest X-ray: This scan can reveal lung infections or other abnormalities in the chest that could be causing wheezing.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests check for infections or signs of an allergic reaction causing breathing troubles.
- Allergy Tests: If allergies are suspected, allergy testing can identify specific allergens triggering symptoms.
- Flu Test: If wheezing occurs during flu season or alongside flu-like symptoms, a flu test may be done. This helps determine if the flu virus is the cause of wheezing and guides appropriate treatment.
Treatment of Wheezing in Children
Here are some common approaches to resolving breathing difficulties:
Inhalers and Nebulizers
Inhalers deliver medication in the form of sprays or fine powders, while nebulizers convert liquid medicine into a mist that children can breathe in. This allows the medication to go directly to their lungs and provide quick relief.
Medications
Two types of medications are used to treat wheezing in children:
- Long-term control medicines address the underlying issue and help to reduce symptoms over time.
- Quick-relief medicines provide immediate relief during sudden breathing difficulties.
- Antiviral medications. If the cause is an infection, such as influenza, doctors may prescribe antiviral medications to combat the virus.
- Antibiotics. In cases of bacterial infections, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Allergy Management
If wheezing is due to allergies, antihistamines or corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation. Doctors also recommend avoiding allergens such as pet dander, smoke, and pollen to minimize symptoms.
Use of Humidifiers
It is best to use a humidifier in your child’s room to add moisture to the air. Additionally, giving your child a warm shower while keeping the bathroom door closed will help create steam. Both of these methods can ease respiratory discomfort and reduce airway tightness.
Staying Hydrated
Drinking fluids, especially warm ones, can help relax the airways and loosen sticky mucus in the throat. Staying hydrated also helps thin out mucus, making it easier for the body to clear it out and improve breathing.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Machines
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are recommended for obstructive sleep apnea treatment. A CPAP machine helps reduce nighttime wheezing by keeping the airway open during sleep.
Emergency Care
It is recommended to go to the emergency room for immediate medical help. Severe wheezing may need oxygen therapy or other urgent treatments to help your child breathe easier.
Final Thoughts
Wheezing is a common issue for children, but you can easily manage it with the right care and preventive measures. If your child is showing wheezing symptoms or has breathing issues, consult with their pediatrician to get a personalized care plan.
Protect Your Child’s Breathing Now
FAQs
Does wheezing in children mean they have asthma?
Not always! While asthma often causes wheezing, it can also be triggered by infections (like RSV or colds), allergies, or even something blocking the airway. Young children, especially those under age three, may wheeze from viral infections without having asthma.
What are the prevention tips for wheezing?
To prevent wheezing in children, limit exposure to triggers like dust, pet dander, or pollen. Staying up-to-date on vaccines like flu shot and practicing good hygiene can also minimize the risk of infections.