
Wheezing in newborns can be scary for parents, but it is relatively common and often not a cause for concern. Newborns tend to have irregular breathing patterns, and their tiny airways can easily become blocked by mucus or dried milk, causing a whistling noise or occasional difficulty moving air in and out. This is known as wheezing and can be caused by various factors, including allergies, asthma, infections, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While occasional grunts or sighs are not the same as wheezing, parents should pay close attention to consistent whistle-like noises or breaths accompanied by a rattling sound, as this may indicate a more serious issue.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Occurrence | 25-30% of infants experience at least one episode of wheezing. Around 40% experience it by the age of 3 years old and almost 50% by the age of 6 years. |
Causes | Asthma, allergies, infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bronchiolitis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, agammaglobulinemia, primary ciliary dyskinesia, congenital conditions, etc. |
Treatment | Humidifier, bulb syringe, nebulizer, medication (e.g. albuterol), saline solution, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc. |
When to Seek Medical Attention | If the baby is under 12 weeks old, has an underlying medical problem, is struggling to breathe, is feeding poorly, has not had a wet diaper for more than 12 hours, or has a temperature of 100.4°F or above. Also, seek immediate medical attention if the baby is pale or sweaty, their tongue or lips are blue, or there are long pauses in their breathing. |
What You'll Learn
Babies wheezing and asthma
Wheezing in newborns is not uncommon, and there are many possible causes, from allergies to asthma.
Babies and young children are more prone to wheezing than adults because their airways are smaller and have less airway resistance. Their small bronchioles (small airways) can easily become blocked, causing a whistling sound when they exhale. This is often harmless and can be caused by a bit of mucus or dried milk. However, if the whistling noise is consistent or accompanied by rattling, it could indicate a more serious problem.
Asthma is a common cause of wheezing in babies. It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and sensitivity in the bronchial tubes, making breathing difficult. While wheezing is a common symptom of asthma in older children and adults, babies with asthma may not always wheeze. Conversely, many babies who wheeze do not go on to develop asthma. Asthma can be difficult to diagnose in infants, as lung function tests cannot be performed on babies. Doctors will usually treat asthma-like symptoms and may prescribe asthma medication to see if the baby's condition improves.
Other possible causes of wheezing in babies include allergies, infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and congenital conditions such as cystic fibrosis.
If your baby is wheezing, it is important to seek medical advice. A doctor will be able to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
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Allergies as a cause of wheezing
Wheezing in newborns is quite common and can be caused by various factors. While it is often harmless, it can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious condition.
Allergies can cause wheezing in newborns by creating excess phlegm, which, due to their narrow nasal passages, newborns are unable to clear. Allergies are uncommon in babies under one year old, but if your newborn has been exposed to an air pollutant or tried a new food, allergies may be the cause of their wheezing.
If the wheezing is seasonal or happens when the baby is exposed to a particular environment, such as dust or air pollution, allergies are likely to be the cause. Allergies can also be inherited, so it is important to inform your baby's doctor of any family history of allergies.
If you suspect that allergies are causing your baby's wheezing, you should take note of what may have triggered it and inform your baby's doctor.
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Congenital reasons for newborn wheezing
Wheezing is a common symptom of infection or respiratory conditions in newborns. It is a whistling sound that occurs when something blocks or narrows the lower airway passages in the lungs. Although it is usually not a sign of anything serious, it can sometimes indicate a more serious infection or condition.
Some babies are born with inherited or congenital conditions that may contribute to wheezing. Persistent wheezing from birth may suggest that a baby has been born with a congenital anatomical anomaly. Congenital conditions that can cause wheezing include:
- Congenital vascular abnormalities
- Immunodeficiency diseases
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia
- Tracheobronchial anomalies
- Vocal cord dysfunction
- Cystic fibrosis
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
If a baby has been wheezing persistently since birth, it is important to seek medical advice as it could be a sign of a congenital condition.
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Home remedies for newborn wheezing
Wheezing is a whistling sound that occurs when a baby exhales. It is caused by a blockage or narrowing of the lower airway passages in the lungs. While it is not uncommon for infants to wheeze occasionally, persistent or severe wheezing should be evaluated by a doctor.
- Use a humidifier: A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping to loosen congestion in the airways.
- Bulb Syringe: If congestion persists, a bulb syringe can be used gently to suck out mucus from the upper airway. Ensure that the bulb syringe is sanitized before use.
- Hydration: Keeping your baby well-hydrated helps to loosen mucus in the airways and clear the nasal passages.
- Nebulizer: A nebulizer allows your baby to inhale medication as a mist. Albuterol, sometimes mixed with saline, may be prescribed by a doctor to open up the airways. This is particularly helpful if the wheezing is caused by asthma.
- Mustard Oil Massage: Mustard oil is said to soothe breathing, improve blood circulation, and clear the respiratory tract. Warm a few teaspoons of mustard oil, add camphor, and massage your baby's chest for 10-15 minutes once the camphor has dissolved.
- Onion Remedy: Onions are high in sulphuric acid, which helps fight infection and clear blocked airways. Grind a cut onion and add it to your baby's food, or place a raw onion near their bed.
- Steam Inhalation: Similar to using a humidifier, steam inhalation helps to loosen mucus. Add a few drops of eucalyptus or essential oil to hot water and inhale the steam.
It is important to remember that these home remedies should not replace medical advice. If you are concerned about your baby's wheezing, consult a doctor, especially if there are other symptoms such as a high fever, difficulty breathing, or lethargy.
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When to seek medical attention for newborn wheezing
Wheezing is a whistling or rattling sound that occurs when something blocks or narrows the airway passages in the lungs. While it is common in newborns, it is important to know when to seek medical attention. Here are some guidelines on when to seek medical help for a wheezing newborn:
- Persistent wheezing: If your newborn's wheezing persists and does not improve, it is important to consult a doctor. This is especially true if the wheezing is accompanied by other symptoms such as a cough or difficulty breathing.
- Frequent episodes: While one instance of wheezing is usually not a cause for concern, frequent episodes of wheezing may indicate an underlying issue. If your newborn experiences recurrent wheezing, it is important to seek medical advice.
- Breathing difficulties: If your newborn is having difficulty breathing, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Signs of breathing difficulties include grunting noises, a persistently increased rate of breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute), flaring nostrils, retractions of the chest and neck muscles, and cyanosis (blue tint to the skin, lips, or tongue).
- Other symptoms: In addition to wheezing, if your newborn exhibits other symptoms such as a high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C), extreme coughing fits, rattling in the chest, or refusal to feed, it is important to consult a doctor.
- Underlying conditions: If your newborn has an underlying medical condition or was born prematurely, they may be at a higher risk of developing respiratory issues. In such cases, it is important to monitor their breathing closely and seek medical advice if any concerns arise.
- Developmental stage: If your newborn is still very young (under 12 weeks old), it is generally recommended to seek medical advice for any concerns, including wheezing.
- Congenital anomalies: If your newborn has been wheezing since birth, it could indicate a congenital condition such as a vascular abnormality, immunodeficiency, or tracheobronchial anomaly. In such cases, it is important to seek medical advice and consider further testing.
- Environmental factors: If the wheezing occurs seasonally or in response to specific environmental triggers such as dust or air pollution, it may indicate asthma or allergies. Consulting a doctor can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
- Severe allergic reaction: In some cases, wheezing may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. If your newborn is struggling to breathe, has a bluish tint to their skin, or is exhibiting other signs of anaphylaxis, seek immediate medical attention.
Remember, it is always better to be cautious when it comes to your newborn's health. If you have any concerns about your newborn's breathing or overall health, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for advice and guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
Wheezing is common in newborns because their airways are tiny, but it can be hard to tell true wheezing without a stethoscope. Occasional grunts, snorts, and whistling are normal for a newborn and aren't usually anything to worry about.
Wheezing happens when something blocks or narrows the lower airway passages in the lungs. Tiny bits of dried mucus can create a brief whistling noise when your baby breathes. Allergies, asthma, infections, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are also common causes of wheezing in newborns.
If your newborn is wheezing, take them to the doctor as soon as possible. If they are struggling to breathe, feeding poorly, or have a high fever, seek medical attention immediately.
The treatment for your baby's wheezing will depend on the cause. If it is the first time your baby has wheezed, your doctor might suggest trying home remedies such as using a humidifier or bulb syringe to clear congestion.