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Wheezing in Babies - Types & Causes

Team AckoFeb 9, 2024

Wheezing in the babies is very common and this can be recognized by high pitched sounds that come from the chest when your baby breathes out or exhales. Just relax if you notice something like that and give your child more comfort in such a situation. If there is something unusual then you can always consult the doctor and seek medical help.

Contents

Types of wheezing in babies
- Transient wheezing
- Persistent wheezing
Why wheezing occurs in babies?
Treating wheezing in babies
Wheezing in babies: When to gain medical attention?

Types of wheezing in babies

Wheezing in the babies is not a serious condition and with its proper knowledge, you can tackle this situation easily. There are two types of wheezing in babies:

Transient wheezing

When your baby suffers from any inflammatory disorder then this type of wheezing occurs. It is temporary and subsides when your baby gets better.

Persistent wheezing

This type of wheezing continues for a long time when your baby suffers from any kind of allergic or genetic factors.

Learn more about home remedies to treat a cough and cold in your baby

Why wheezing occurs in babies?

There are many causes of wheezing in the babies and you should know them better so that you are prepared to tackle them when they come your way. With proper knowledge, you can diagnose the type of wheezing and then the treatment can be done effectively. Here are some of the causes of wheezing:

Allergy

An allergy like milk which is quite common in babies is the main cause of wheezing. Babies often cry and also find it difficult to breathe properly. This kind of wheezing comes under persistent wheezing type and proper medical advice should be taken from the doctor in this case.

Bronchiolitis

It is a kind of chest infection where the infection is caused by the virus blocking the airways due to swelling and makes it difficult to breathe for the baby. This might cause hospitalization of the baby as well as in this case the baby remains under observation and given nebulizer or inhaler so that breathing can be eased off. In some cases, the infection subsides on its own making it easy for the baby to breathe properly and wheezing will calm down as well.

Asthma

It is a chronic disease of the lungs where the airway swells up and makes breathing difficult for the baby. This also produces excessive mucus that gets trapped in the throat and nose. Take help of your doctor for proper medication in this case so that your baby can breathe normally and stay away from wheezing.

Treating wheezing in babies

There are simple ways to treat wheezing in babies and these are advised during mild wheezing. When wheezing is severe, you need to take doctor’s help so that proper medication can be given to your baby for all the comfort he needs. Here are some handy ways:

Humidifier

Placing humidifiers in your room will help your baby when there is mild wheezing. A humidifier will help in forming moisture in the air and this helps in loosening the cough that leads to congestion and wheezing in your baby.

More and more liquids

Give your baby more and more liquids so that he is away from dehydration and his body remains properly hydrated. Proper hydration helps in loosening the mucus and keeps the nasal passage clear making breathing easy for your baby. It will also keep him away from irritation and fussy behavior.

Nebulizer

Your doctor will advise you on this by recommending a proper medicine and saline drops to nebulize your baby. Saline drops will help the mucus to loosen up and helps in curing wheezing as well.

Steam

Steam is the best option to loosen up mucus and it works rapidly in case of wheezing. You can take your baby to a steamy bathroom and remain there for 10 minutes. Let your baby inhale the steam, this will open up the airway passage so that he can breathe properly.

Breastfeeding

Breastmilk has antibodies that help in fighting mucus and wheezing as well. It helps in loosening the cough and if you feed your baby for a long time then this will surely save your baby from severe wheezing.

Check out: Tips to spot if your baby has a cold

Wheezing in babies: When to gain medical attention?

If you see these symptoms in your baby then you need to see the doctor immediately:

1) If your baby’s breathing is labored or the skin has a bluish tint.

2) When you hear a rattling sound in the chest while your baby is breathing.

3) There will be extreme fits of coughing.

4) Your baby may have a sustained high fever.

5) There might be signs of dehydration in your baby.

Seek immediate help from your doctor and rush to a nearby hospital immediately as this needs your presence of mind, act fast to save your baby from the worst.

Keeping these tips and causes of wheezing in mind, will help you sail through this journey and you will be able to give your baby utmost care that he needs while fighting this situation. Just try to comfort your child and soothe him with all your love and care.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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