Some common breathing conditions, such as asthma, are often diagnosed in people at a very young age. This means that infants and children may be more prone to certain respiratory issues that parents should protect them against. No matter the age of your child, you should know what their lungs may or may not be susceptible to. That’s why your asthma specialist in New York City will review some of the most common breathing problems for younger kids so you can be informed when you schedule your child’s next appointment.
Common Breathing Problems for Younger Kids
Upper Respiratory Infections
Usually, in the form of the common cold, upper respiratory infections can be severe and very symptomatic among young children. In fact, this is usually the number one illness that keeps kids out of school to prevent the risk of spreading the illness to others. URI symptoms typically include watery eyes and a stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, fever and chills, and a sore throat.
Bronchitis
Any breathing issue that involves the lungs is typically categorized as a lower respiratory infection. If it isn’t happening in the nose or throat, it is probably happening in the lungs and breathing tubes. Viruses that develop in these areas can cause deep coughs and uncomfortable illnesses such as bronchitis, which is signified by a consistent cough that takes quite a bit of time to go away.
Asthma
Possibly the most common respiratory issue around children (with the CDC reporting that 5.8% of U.S. children have asthma), asthma can be deadly if not treated the right way. This is a condition that can develop into a disease of the lungs. You can tell if your child has asthma with symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing when breathing
- Concerns of tightness in the chest
Another dangerous fact of asthma is that it can be triggered by many things, from pet dander to certain pollens in the air. It’s a good idea to get in touch with your child’s doctor right away if you notice any of these signs.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can get dangerous when left untreated. Also, pneumonia is common in infants and young children, with symptoms like coughing and fast breathing. A child with pneumonia is likely to have a very high fever accompanied by chills. They may also struggle to stay fully awake, with this disease causing a lot of fatigue. This is a deadly disease that requires immediate medical attention as quickly as possible. If your child is susceptible to pneumonia, schedule a visit with your doctor right away.
How to Practice Prevention
The best way to keep your child healthy and prevent them from dealing with difficult breathing issues remains to practice prevention. Still, most respiratory infections and illnesses transmit through germs in from saliva and mucus. Encourage your children to wash their hands often, and be sure to sanitize frequently-touched areas like doorknobs and counter surfaces. Still, ensure that you and your children are vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 to give the immune system an extra boost.
Get the Best Pediatric Care in NYC Today
Whether your child is showing symptoms of respiratory problems or not, it’s a good idea to get their breathing checked out by an expert. Visit the office of Dr. Mayank Shukla today to learn more about how you can invest in the best pediatric pulmonology in NYC and protect your child against invasive and possibly deadly diseases. Asthma and other respiratory issues can be treated with short and long-term solutions. Get in touch with us today to help your child stay in the best of health!
