Shortness of breath in children is a condition that needs to be watched out for. This complaint It can be a sign of a serious illness that requires immediate treatment. Besides being able to interfere with children's activities and rest time, prolonged shortness of breath can also interfere with their growth and development.
Shortness of breath, or in medical terms called dyspnea, is a condition when a person has difficulty breathing so that they do not get an adequate supply of oxygen to the lungs.
Diseases that Cause Shortness of Breath in Children
The onset of shortness of breath, both in children and adults, is often associated with heart or lung disease. Here are some diseases that can cause shortness of breath in children:
1. Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is an infectious disease that can cause inflammation and blockage of the small airways (bronchioles) in the lungs. Bronchiolitis is usually more prone to occur in children and infants. Initial symptoms may include a persistent dry cough, nasal congestion, and fever.
In severe bronchiolitis, symptoms may include lethargy, blue skin (cyanosis), wheezing, and rapid but shallow breathing (tachypnea). If your child has these symptoms, you should take him to the hospital immediately.
2. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infectious disease that causes inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria and viruses, including the Corona virus. Pneumonia is a common disease in children. In fact, this disease is the second leading cause of death in children under five in Indonesia, after diarrhea.
Symptoms of pneumonia in children can be characterized by coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, chest pain, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, to shortness of breath and rapid breathing. If the pneumonia is severe, the child's nails and lips can turn blue. This condition indicates that the child's body lacks oxygen.
3. Heart failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood throughout the body. Heart failure can affect one side of the heart, but it can also involve both sides of the heart.
In addition to shortness of breath, heart failure will also cause edema or swelling that usually occurs in the feet and ankles. Shortness of breath in children due to heart failure can occur when the child is lying down, bending over, or when he is sleeping.
4. Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Symptoms of asthma in children can include lethargy, chronic cough, wheezing, and chest pain. However, the main symptom of this condition is shortness of breath.
The airways of children with asthma are more susceptible to irritation. If irritation occurs, the airway will narrow which ultimately makes it difficult for the child to breathe.
4. Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. If not treated immediately, this condition can lead to death. An anaphylactic reaction can be triggered by certain foods, drugs, or substances, or by insect stings or bites.
In addition to sudden shortness of breath, anaphylactic reactions can also be characterized by itchy or swollen skin, cough, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty speaking, narrowed throat, wheezing, rapid heartbeat, and fainting.
Treatment of Shortness of Breath in Children
Shortness of breath in children needs to be checked by a doctor so that appropriate treatment can be given according to the cause.
So that shortness of breath in children does not recur or get worse, do the following ways:
- Give treatment as recommended by the doctor and take the child for regular check-ups with the doctor.
- Create a healthy environment for your little one's breathing, especially at home. Make sure the entire room is free from dust, dirt, pollution, and cigarette smoke.
- Reduce children's activities outside the house when the air is hot or cold.
- Take note of foods or medications that can trigger shortness of breath in children, and avoid them as much as possible.
- Encourage children to exercise regularly to improve their physical condition, especially their breathing. However, first ask the doctor about the type of exercise that is suitable for your little one's condition.
Shortness of breath in children can appear suddenly, it can also be gradual. Although sometimes shortness of breath can go away on its own, but this condition should not be ignored. Immediately consult a doctor so that the appropriate treatment can be given.
