Noisy Breathing in Children

Noisy breathing in children is a common condition, usually caused by a blockage in the air passages.

What is going on in the body?

Noisy breathing is generally caused when a blockage somewhere in the breathing passages creates abnormal airflow. The blockage can be anywhere from the mouth to deep inside the lungs. Noisy breathing may be harmless or a life-threatening condition.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There are many causes of noisy breathing in children. Some of the possibilities are these:

Other causes are also possible.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

When parents complain that a child has noisy breathing, the healthcare provider will want to know:

Other questions may also be asked as well.

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with the history and physical exam. This may be all that is needed in some cases. In other cases, further tests are needed.

Different tests may be ordered, depending on the suspected cause. A chest x-ray is commonly done to look for infections, tumors, and lung or heart diseases. Special x-rays such as a chest CT scan will look for tumors, or a cranial MRI can look for nervous system damage. A test of the sweat called a chloride sweat test may be done if cystic fibrosis is suspected.

In some cases, a procedure called endoscopy or bronchoscopy may be used. A small tube is inserted through the mouth and into the throat and windpipe. The tube has a light and camera on the end of it. This allows the doctor to see the inside of the throat and airway. This test is useful to detect conditions such as vocal cord paralysis, or a tumor or cancer in the throat or lungs.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Most cases cannot be prevented. Small objects should be kept away from young children to who might accidentally inhale them. Children should receive routine vaccines to prevent some cases due to an infection, such as pertussis.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Long-term effects are related to the cause. For example, cases due to infection often go away and have no long-term effects. Cancer can result in death. Noisy breathing caused by nervous system conditions may sometimes be permanent.

What are the risks to others?

Noisy breathing itself is not contagious. If the cause is an infection, which is common, the infection can often be transmitted to others.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment is directed at the cause. A child with a bacterial infection will be given antibiotics. Cases due to anatomic defects, such as deviated nasal septum, can often be corrected with surgery. Foreign bodies can often be removed during endoscopy. Gastroesophageal reflux disease can be treated with medications to reduce stomach acid.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects are related to the treatments used. Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions or stomach upset. Any surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to the anesthesia. Endoscopy may cause throat or windpipe irritation or, rarely, damage.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

A child with asthma may have occasional "flares" and need treatment for many years. A child with an infection usually gets better and needs no further treatment. Someone with cancer may die if treatment is not successful.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. Other monitoring is related to the cause. For example, a child with cancer may need repeated blood tests or x-rays to monitor the effects of treatment.

Author:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Wendel, Sandra J., BA
Edit Date:07/12/00
Reviewer:Melissa Sanders, PharmD
Date Reviewed:07/27/01

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