Breathing Problems in Babies-Things to Know

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Breathing problems in babies are more common than
we imagine. Most babies suffer from temporary
respiratory illnesses caused by varied factors
during the first two years. However, some babies
have more complex breathing disorders that are
either congenital or environmental. Common
Breathing Problems in Babies Numerous things can
cause breathing problems in babies. Some of the
most common illnesses that cause breathing
problems are Common Cold No child has not
suffered from the common cold. The common
symptoms of common cold include blocked nose,
sore throat, runny nose, and breathing distress.
Common cold can be treated with home remedies and
usually goes away on its own in a few
days. Allergies Babies often suffer from
breathing difficulties due to allergies. Babies
suffer from a stuffed nose, sneezing, and red
eyes due to allergies. The most common causes of
allergies in babies are pollens, dust, mites, cat
fur etc. Allergies usually affect the upper
respiratory tract. 
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Flu or Influenza Flu symptoms are similar to the
common cold and are transmitted through a cough
or sneeze droplets from one person to the other.
Flu doesnt cause much damage to healthy people.
However, if the baby develops severe breathing
distress it is better to visit the hospital. The
best way to prevent flu is by taking flu
vaccines. Asthma Babies who are prone to
allergies are at high risk of asthma. This is a
chronic condition that affects the lungs. Asthma
can cause severe breathing distress, coughing,
wheezing, and tightness of the chest. Asthma can
be a long-lasting disease. However, there are
ways to control asthma attacks. Many kids outgrow
asthma during their teenage years.
Pneumonia Respiratory distress is a symptom of
pneumonia. In this, the bacteria Streptococcus
pneumoniae (pneumococcus) infects the lung
airways and causes inflammation. It also causes
fluid accumulation in the lungs thus, blocking
the airways. If not treated properly, pneumonia
can be fatal in babies. Broad-spectrum
antibiotics are used to treat pneumonia. Children
are often put under oxygen support to reduce
breathing distress. 
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Bronchiolitis This is caused by the respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV). It is believed that 90 of
children get affected by RSV in the first two
years of their lives. Severe wheezing, runny
nose, rapid breathing, coughing, and high fever
are the major symptoms of this disease. The
coughing and wheezing last for more than two
weeks. Children can also develop ear infections
due to bronchiolitis.
What to do when the baby is suffering breathing
problems?

• Keep the baby hydrated
• Place the child in a comfortable sitting position
  to relieve breathing distress
• Encourage the child to inhale vapor or give a
  warm bath to moisten the mucus
• Do not smoke a cigarette in front of the
  distressed child
• Give paracetamol or ibuprofen to control fever

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• Warning signs
• Immediately visit the doctor if one of the
  symptoms appears.
• High fever
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Loss of appetite
• Fainting
• Skin turning pale or blue
• Blood in mucus
• High pitched sound while breathing
• Gasping
• Child becomes unresponsive
• Conclusion
• Most babies suffer from breathing difficulties
  during fever and cold. Usually, it goes away on
  its own. However, breathing difficulties can be
  an indication of more severe diseases such as
  asthma, sleep apnea, pneumonia, or cystic
  fibrosis. 

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Source https//www.cordlifeindia.com/blog/breathi
ng-problems-in-babies/