Persistent breathing issues in children can be frightening for parents. Knowing when to go to a specialist is key to ensuring your child gets the care they need and you can both rest easy. Pediatric pulmonology is an area of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory issues in children. Early treatment is essential for your child’s long-term health. Below, you will find the top 7 signs your child should see a pulmonologist.
7 Signs Your Child Should See a Pulmonologist
Children get sick often because their immune systems are still developing. The occasional cold and flu are fine and should be expected because kids are easily exposed to germs at school, daycare, and other public places. However, persistent respiratory issues are not standard and require treatment. Consider the following signs that your child may need to see a pulmonologist.
1. Chronic Coughing
Coughing is a common symptom associated with many seasonal illnesses. However, if your child has a cough that lasts more than four weeks it can be a sign of a more serious issue. Underlying lung conditions like asthma, infections, or lung damage from a prior illness can cause chronic coughing.
2. Difficulty Breathing
Children should not struggle or have any difficulty breathing. If your child is struggling to breathe, get immediate treatment from a specialist at an asthma institute. Signs of difficulty breathing include rapid breathing, shortness of breath, flaring nostrils, using chest muscles to breathe, or loud breathing. These are common symptoms of asthma or bronchitis. Both require immediate treatment to avoid more severe health issues down the line.
3. Asthma-Related Symptoms
If your child has frequent or severe asthma-related symptoms, it is important to seek treatment, whether they have been diagnosed or not. Even when diagnosed, some children experience changes in their symptoms if the treatment stops being effective. Common asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing, sleep disruptions, or asthma attacks. Asthma requires prompt treatment to reduce the risk of worsening health complications.
4. Respiratory Infections
Recurring respiratory infections indicate more serious issues. If your child has had pneumonia or bronchitis more than once, it may indicate immune or lung health issues. A pediatric pulmonologist can assess your child’s lung health to determine the root cause of the issue. Testing can provide you with an accurate diagnosis. From there, a pulmonologist can create a customized treatment plan to address your child’s symptoms.
5. Chronic Wheezing
Wheezing is often associated with asthma. However, it can be a symptom of several other issues. Wheezing is noticeable as it is high-pitched and sounds like whistling. It occurs when the airways are blocked or narrowed due to inflammation. In addition to signaling asthma, wheezing can indicate allergies or a respiratory infection. These can be easily diagnosed and treated by a pediatric pulmonologist.
6. Chest Pain or Tightness
Chest pain or tightness is commonly associated with seasonal illnesses. However, persistent chest pain indicates a more serious issue. This may include asthma, pneumonia, infection, or an airway blockage. These require prompt treatment from a pediatric pulmonologist.
7. Sleep-Related Breathing Issues
Sleep is integral for your child’s development. If they are not sleeping well or getting enough sleep, it may affect their respiratory health. Common sleep-related breathing issues include loud snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep. Daytime issues related to poor sleep include difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and irritability. These symptoms indicate that it is time to contact a pediatric pulmonologist. Children can develop obstructive sleep apnea. Failing to treat this can lead to more severe health issues.
Asthma Institute
If your child struggles with any of the symptoms above, contact Dr. Mayank Shukla at the Asthma & Sleep Institute to schedule an appointment.
