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Compliments of American Academy Of Family Physicians

Shortness of Breath in a Child or Infant

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This is a very serious symptom in children and should never be ignored. Knowing a doctor has diagnosed and is treating the problem should bring comfort, but if it becomes worse, always call or be seen right away. This chart describes some common causes of shortness of breath.

SYMPTOMS	DIAGNOSIS	SELF-CARE

1. Does your child have a fever?	Go to Question 5.*

2. Does your child have a moist, productive cough and cold or flu symptoms along with the fever?	Small children are prone to BRONCHIOLITIS, a cough with shortness of breath. BRONCHITIS and PNEUMONIA may also cause shortness of breath.	Take your child to your doctor right away.

3. Does your child have a sore throat and a dry, barking cough, or does he or she seem to have a very tight throat?	CROUP, EPIGLOTTITIS or an ABSCESS in the tonsil could cause these symptoms. Each represents a serious infection.	Take your child to your doctor right away.

4. Does your child have a dry cough and cold symptoms with the fever and shortness of breath?	Occasionally, VIRAL BRONCHITIS will cause bronchial constriction just like asthma and will cause some shortness of breath.	Take your child to your doctor right away.

*5. Does your child have wheezing along with the shortness of breath?	ASTHMA can cause wheezing and can be serious, but it's very treatable.	Take your child to your doctor right away.

6. Does your child seem to be short of breath after he or she may have choked or swallowed a toy or coin?	FOREIGN BODIES can block an airway and cause shortness of breath.	Take your child to your doctor right away.

7. Does your baby ever have times during sleep when he or she seems to stop breathing?	Short episodes of stopping breathing may be normal, while longer episodes may be a warning sign of SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS).	Take your child to your doctor right away.

For more information, please consult your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.