Noisy Breathing in Children: Causes, Management and When to Seek Help
Noisy breathing in children is common and can occur for a variety of reasons. While it’s often harmless, it’s important to understand the potential causes and when to seek advice.
Common Causes:
- Nasal Congestion:Blocked or stuffy noses due to colds, allergies, or sinus infections can make breathing noisy, particularly at night.
- Stridor: A high-pitched sound when breathing in, often caused by swelling or narrowing of the airway. It can be due to viral infections (like croup) or conditions such as laryngomalacia (floppy airway tissues in younger children).
- Asthma or Wheezing: Noisy breathing with wheezing or coughing can be a sign of asthma, especially if it occurs with exercise or during colds.
- Adenoid or Tonsil Enlargement: Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can partially block the airway, causing mouth breathing or noisy inhalation.
Management and Treatment:
- Saline nasal sprays or humidifiers can ease congestion and help clear the nose.
- Steam inhalation and keeping the child upright may improve breathing in cases of viral infections.
- If asthma or allergies are suspected, inhalers or antihistamines might be recommended.
When to See an ENT Specialist:
If your child’s breathing is consistently noisy, especially with symptoms like stridor, laboured breathing, or difficulty sleeping or eating, it’s important to see an ENT consultant. We can assess whether there is an underlying condition and offer treatments such as medications, further tests, or in some cases, surgical interventions. Early diagnosis can ensure the best outcomes for your child’s health.