Noisy Breathing
Noisy breathing refers to any abnormal or unusual sound produced during inhalation or exhalation. Children may produce a variety of sounds as they breathe and these sounds can vary in tone, pitch, and intensity. Whether it's a wheeze, snore, or a stridor, noisy breathing can have many different causes, ranging from temporary conditions like a cold, to more serious ones such as asthma or airway obstructions.
Common causes of noisy breathing in children
- Infections: Upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, flu etc), viral croup, acute epiglottitis, bronchiolitis
- Allergies, adenoid hypertrophy
- Asthma
- Anatomical malformations of the larynx (voice box)- e.g. laryngomalacia
- Foreign body aspiration
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Red flags that must prompt the parents to seek immediate medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing (e.g., using extra muscles to breathe or flaring nostrils).
- Bluish skin or lips (cyanosis)
- Continuous wheezing or coughing
- High grade fever with a lethargic child, unable to take orally
- History of choking
Diagnosis of noisy breathing in children
History and physical examination usually help to identify the type of noisy breathing and pinpoint the cause. Additional tests, such as X-ray of the neck and chest, blood tests, or allergy test, may be required to determine the underlying cause. Less commonly, the child may require a bronchoscopy to evaluate the cause. An overnight sleep study may be advised if obstructive sleep apnea is suspected.
Treatment for Noisy Breathing in Children
Treatment will depend on the cause of noisy breathing.
Noisy breathing in children may be a temporary condition that resolves on its own, but it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious issue. If your child experiences persistent or severe noisy breathing, it’s important to consult with a pediatric pulmonologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.