Wheezing can be concerning, but it’s a symptom of something else, not an illness itself or a diagnosis of one. With the right care from a trusted medical provider, you can understand more about what could be causing wheezing and what you can do about it.
Here’s what you need to know.
Common Causes of Wheezing in Kids
Wheezing is a symptom that’s frequently found in a wide variety of conditions. These causes include:
- Respiratory infections (like the cold or the flu)
- RSV and bronchiolitis
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Airway irritation
- Other breathing conditions
Anything that narrows, blocks, or inflames the airway can result in wheezing, and that covers quite a few illnesses.
Wheezing that starts suddenly after choking, exposure to an allergen, or taking a new medication can signal an emergency. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1.
The key takeaway: don’t assume what the cause is just based on the sound!
Wheezing vs. a Regular Cough
Some parents think that wheezing and coughing are the same, but they’re not.
There are actually a few different types of coughs in children. You can have dry or wet coughs, for example, depending on if there’s mucus in the airway.
The main difference is that a cough is a sharp reflex to clear the airway. It’s short, comes and goes, and makes a barking, hacking, or clearing sound.
A wheeze is a high-pitched, whistling sound from a narrowed or swollen airway that you usually hear most clearly when your child breathes out. Instead of happening every now and then, it’s often part of your kid’s breathing.
Note that some kids may experience both coughing and wheezing.
Breathing Symptoms Parents Should Watch For
What should you be watching (and listening) for? Symptoms such as:
- Breathing faster than normal
- Wheezing that is new or getting worse
- Coughing with wheezing
- Difficulty feeding or drinking
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Unusual tiredness
- Changes in breathing effort
Any new wheezing should receive prompt medical attention, so a provider can evaluate your child and recommend next steps.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Anything to do with the airway can be a cause for concern. Because breathing is so critical, we have to be vigilant and take action if we notice problematic symptoms.
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1 if your child has:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Skin pulling in around the ribs or neck while breathing
- Blue or gray lips or face
- Difficulty speaking or crying because of breathing problems
- Breathing pauses
- Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
- Sudden breathing difficulty after choking or a possible severe allergic reaction
Don’t monitor severe breathing symptoms at home. If you’re ever unsure whether something is an emergency, it’s always okay to choose the emergency room.
When KidsStreet May Help
Pediatric urgent care can be a source of guidance for parents with non-emergency respiratory concerns. Our clinic may be an option for symptoms such as:
- Persistent cough with otherwise comfortable breathing
- Mild respiratory symptoms that need evaluation
- Concerns following a recent respiratory infection
- Symptoms that may require additional testing
Again, for severe wheezing or other signs of respiratory distress, go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1.
What to Expect During an Evaluation
We help parents by reviewing symptoms, listening to your child’s breathing, and checking vital signs to get a better idea of what’s going on.
Your provider can also recommend testing when appropriate and determine if additional or emergency care is needed.
Our goal is to help you understand what to do next and provide compassionate care from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
Visit KidsStreet for Non-Emergency Respiratory Concerns
Wheezing and other respiratory symptoms can be concerning for parents. For significant breathing difficulty, go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. For non-emergency respiratory concerns, KidsStreet is here to help.
KidsStreet is open late 7 days a week!
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