Among the various health issues that can affect children, shortness of breath is perhaps the most concerning for parents. After all, it can happen suddenly, often at night, and is accompanied by other symptoms like a bluish face, cold body, and a wheezing sound when breathing.
Many health problems can cause shortness of breath in children, such as allergies, asthma, and pneumonia. In general, shortness of breath in both children and adults is often related to lung or heart conditions.
When a child suddenly experiences shortness of breath, parents often panic and may not know what to do. So, before this potentially serious situation arises, it’s essential for parents to understand how to provide first aid for shortness of breath in children. Here are the steps to follow:
Signs of Shortness of Breath in Children
If the shortness of breath is not too severe, the signs may not be immediately obvious unless observed closely. Initially, signs include increased breathing rate, restlessness, irritability, crying, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and pale skin (especially around the lips).
The condition can worsen if the breathing becomes more labored. Signs of severe shortness of breath include flaring nostrils, tightness in the chest and neck muscles, and noticeable difficulty in breathing. This may cause the child’s lips to turn blue, weakness, and if not treated promptly, it could lead to respiratory arrest.
First Aid for Shortness of Breath in Children
Don’t panic if your child suddenly experiences shortness of breath. Stay calm and follow these 7 easy steps to provide first aid:
- Guide the Child to Breathe Through the Mouth
If the child is struggling to breathe through the nose, guide them to breathe through the mouth. You can demonstrate how to take a deep breath in and exhale through the mouth. This can help relieve the shortness of breath by allowing the child to take deeper, more effective breaths.
- Position the Child Slightly Bent Forward
According to Alodokter, one of the ways to help the child is to position them sitting with a slight forward lean. This position can help make it easier for the child to breathe and allow them to relax. WebMD also recommends resting the child in a comfortable position that aids their breathing.
- Use a Humidifier
WebMD suggests using a cool-mist humidifier. There are several types of humidifiers, but not all release cool mist. One example is an ultrasonic humidifier, which uses ultrasonic waves to turn water into mist. This type doesn’t make noise or produce heat, but still effectively moistens the air. Place the humidifier near the child to increase the humidity in their environment.
- Help with Steam Inhalation
If your bathroom has hot water, let the hot water run and invite the child to sit nearby. Alternatively, you can place warm water in a container or basin, have the child position their face a few inches above the water, and cover their head and the basin with a towel or thick cloth.
The steam helps loosen any mucus causing difficulty in breathing and helps widen the airways, making it easier for the child to breathe.
- Clear Nasal Congestion
One common cause of shortness of breath is the accumulation of mucus in the nose. However, toddlers sometimes struggle to clear their nasal passages. WebMD recommends using saline nose drops to help loosen the mucus, making it easier to expel. For babies and toddlers, you may need to use a nasal aspirator.
- Loosen Tight Clothing
Wearing loose clothing can help the child breathe more easily. If the child is wearing tight clothes during shortness of breath, try changing into looser clothing or at least unbuttoning their shirt, especially around the neck and chest area.
- Apply Balm
While doing the above steps, also apply a suitable warm balm for the child. It’s best to use a balm specifically made for children, as adult balms may be too harsh and could cause skin irritation.
If these steps do not improve the condition and the child’s symptoms continue to worsen, take them to a doctor immediately. Avoid giving any medication (oral or inhaler) without a doctor’s guidance. Remember, the cause of shortness of breath may vary from child to child, and the treatment will depend on the specific cause.
