Shortness of Breath in Children

Shortness of breath in a child can be caused by a significant illness in any part of the airway, from the nose and mouth to the lungs. Factors such as the patient’s age and the severity of the disease play an important role in determining the treatment method to be used.

In the newborn period, babies breathe exclusively through their noses. They cannot breathe through their mouths. Therefore, even the slightest nasal obstruction can lead to respiratory distress. The most common causes of serious respiratory distress in newborns and infants are:

• Choanal atresia (absence of openings in the nose)
• Laryngomalacia
• Vocal cord palsy
• Airway narrowing
• Laryngeal cleft
• Infectious diseases such as croup that cause airway narrowing

In older babies and children, adenoid and tonsil hypertrophy are the most common causes of acquired respiratory distress. However, a history of intensive care unit stays and various surgeries should also be considered for airway narrowing.

If your child has shortness of breath or respiratory distress, you should consult a pediatric ENT doctor immediately.