from Your Baby magazine
Image: Your pregnancy

There are various conditions that can cause breathing problems in babies and young children.

A baby that has difficulty breathing should always be seen by a doctor. In severe cases, you will have to call an ambulance or visit the emergency room.

You should seek medical attention immediately if her cough is accompanied by fever, or laboured or abnormal breathing. If her cough is accompanied by rapid breathing but no high fever, if she has earache, or if there is lots of green mucus, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.

The breathing problems that most commonly cause concern are:

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes airways to narrow.

Symptoms include: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, increased heart rate and perspiration. It can be life-threatening, so if an attack is severe, seek medical attention or call an ambulance.

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection of the small airways in the lungs. It affects babies under 1 year.

Creating a steamy atmosphere, using a humidifier or pan or boiling water, will ease her breathing. Be careful not to burn yourself or your child. Take your child to the doctor.

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Most cases are quite mild but in severe cases, your child may have difficulty breathing, in which case you should take her to your doctor or the emergency room, or call and ambulance.

Croup is caused by a viral infection and involves the inflammation and narrowing of the upper airway to the lungs. This results in a characteristic barking cough.

It normally affects children between three months and five years.

Steam helps. Use a cool-mist humidifier if you have one, and get your child to breathe in the moist air through her mouth. Alternatively, mist up the bathroom with hot shower steam and have your child sit in the bathroom for 10 minutes.

If your child has difficulty taking a breath, if there is stridor (a high pitched noise when breathing in), or if she is pale or bluish around the mouth, seek medical help immediately.

Pneumonia is a severe inflammation of the lungs and is particularly severe in young children. It generally responds well to antibiotics, but, should be treated as soon as possible. If you suspect pneumonia, see your doctor.