From shortness of breath to wheezing, breathing disorder symptoms may be uncomfortable and frightening for your child. Breathing disorders can be the result of colds, flu, croup and sinusitis. At Glacier ENT & Hearing Services, we’ll determine what’s causing your child’s breathing disorder and provide the highest quality treatment so they can enjoy being a kid.
What Are Symptoms of Breathing Disorders in Children?
- Increased breathing or heart rate
- Sound in the upper airway when inhaling
- Grunting while exhaling
- The nose flaring when taking breaths
- Wheezing
- A blue color around the mouth, inside the lips or on the fingernails, as well as skin appearing gray or pale
- Changes in alertness from low oxygen levels
What Causes Pediatric Breathing Disorders?
Because children’s immune systems are still developing, they are more susceptible to illnesses that can make it difficult to breathe. These include:
- Common cold
- Flu
- Croup
- Sinusitis
- Bronchiolitis
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
Airway problems in children can also be the result of allergies, teething, sleep apnea or laryngopharyngeal reflux.
How Are Pediatric Breathing Disorders Diagnosed and Treated?
Our provider will take the time to discuss your child’s symptoms, along with their severity and duration. Potential diagnostic tests may include X-rays; CT scans; MRI; laryngoscopy, or an examination of the vocal cords with a camera attached to a tube; and bronchoscopy, or an examination of the lungs and trachea with a similar device.
Your child’s doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on what is making it difficult for them to breathe. Next steps may include medication, dietary changes or surgery. Our team at Glacier ENT & Hearing Services will partner with your family to make sure your child can breathe easy.
Call Glacier ENT & Hearing Services for more information or to schedule an appointment.