Breathing Problems in Babies-Things to Know
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Breathing problems in babies are more common than we imagine. Most babies 
suffer from temporary respiratory illnesses caused by varied factors during the 
first two years. However, some babies have more complex breathing disorders 
that are either congenital or environmental.
Common Breathing Problems in Babies
Numerous things can cause breathing problems in babies. Some of the most 
common illnesses that cause breathing problems are:
Common Cold: No child has not suffered from the common cold. The common 
symptoms of common cold include blocked nose, sore throat, runny nose, and 
breathing distress. Common cold can be treated with home remedies and usually 
goes away on its own in a few days.
Allergies: Babies often suffer from breathing difficulties due to allergies. Babies 
suffer from a stuffed nose, sneezing, and red eyes due to allergies. The most 
common causes of allergies in babies are pollens, dust, mites, cat fur etc. 
Allergies usually affect the upper respiratory tract. 
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Flu or Influenza: Flu symptoms are similar to the common 
cold and are transmitted through a cough or sneeze droplets 
from one person to the other. Flu doesn’t cause much 
damage to healthy people. However, if the baby develops 
severe breathing distress it is better to visit the hospital. The 
best way to prevent flu is by taking flu vaccines.
Asthma: Babies who are prone to allergies are at high risk 
of asthma. This is a chronic condition that affects the lungs. 
Asthma can cause severe breathing distress, coughing, 
wheezing, and tightness of the chest. Asthma can be a long-
lasting disease. However, there are ways to control asthma 
attacks. Many kids outgrow asthma during their teenage 
years.
Pneumonia: Respiratory distress is a symptom of pneumonia. In this, the bacteria 
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) infects the lung airways and causes 
inflammation. It also causes fluid accumulation in the lungs thus, blocking the 
airways. If not treated properly, pneumonia can be fatal in babies. Broad-spectrum 
antibiotics are used to treat pneumonia. Children are often put under oxygen support 
to reduce breathing distress. 
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Bronchiolitis: This is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is 
believed that 90% of children get affected by RSV in the first two years of their 
lives. Severe wheezing, runny nose, rapid breathing, coughing, and high fever 
are the major symptoms of this disease. The coughing and wheezing last for 
more than two weeks. Children can also develop ear infections due to 
bronchiolitis.
What to do when the baby is suffering breathing problems?
• Keep the baby hydrated
• Place the child in a comfortable sitting position to 
relieve breathing distress
• Encourage the child to inhale vapor or give a 
warm bath to moisten the mucus
• Do not smoke a cigarette in front of the distressed 
child
• Give paracetamol or ibuprofen to control fever
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Warning signs
Immediately visit the doctor if one of the symptoms appears.
 High fever
 Vomiting
 Drowsiness
 Loss of appetite
 Fainting
 Skin turning pale or blue
 Blood in mucus
 High pitched sound while breathing
 Gasping
 Child becomes unresponsive
Conclusion
Most babies suffer from breathing difficulties during fever and cold. Usually, it 
goes away on its own. However, breathing difficulties can be an indication of 
more severe diseases such as asthma, sleep apnea, pneumonia, or cystic 
fibrosis. 
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Source: https://www.cordlifeindia.com/blog/breathing-problems-in-babies/
Save your baby’s cord blood to protect them against 80+ disorders.  Call Cordlife at Toll Free No.: 1800 121 6200 | Hotline: 
+91 983016 6200