Your Baby's Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Help - Pediatrics

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The baby has abnormal breathing sounds?


Last week, my child had a runny nose for two consecutive days, sneezing more than ten times each day.
On the afternoon of the second day, I noticed a significant amount of mucus and crust in her nasal cavity.
After suctioning it out, I found clear mucus, sticky white mucus, and drier green crust.
I took the cleared material to the pediatrician.
The doctor examined her throat and listened to her abdomen, diagnosing her with a gastrointestinal cold and noting mild throat inflammation.
The doctor prescribed some powdered medication.
After taking the medication, my child indeed sneezed less over the next few days.
However, after finishing the three-day course of medication, the sneezing started to occur again, albeit slightly.
Throughout this time, my child did not have a fever, and her eating and sleeping patterns remained normal.
Last night, after her bath, she sneezed and expelled some sticky white mucus again.
Additionally, previously, she would wheeze while drinking milk at night, and recently, during the day, in certain lying positions without drinking milk, she also exhibited wheezing.
Both her mother and I think it sounds like she has phlegm.
I personally have allergic rhinitis.
My question is, in this situation, should we continue to monitor her condition and allow her to grow and adjust naturally if there are no more significant concerning symptoms, or would it be better to seek further medical attention?

Yingxi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/01/19

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics


The wheezing sound during breathing may simply be due to the soft tissues of the infant's respiratory tract and nose still being pliable (some immune glands may become enlarged and softer after a cold).
The sound is produced by vibrations during breathing and is generally not concerning; it tends to improve as the infant grows.
However, one should be cautious of bronchitis, which can cause excessive mucus leading to obstruction of the small airways, resulting in a wheezing sound similar to asthma.
This condition is usually accompanied by a noticeable cough and labored breathing.
If this occurs, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

Reply Date: 2017/01/19

More Info


When it comes to understanding your baby's unusual breathing sounds and determining when to seek medical help, it's essential to consider several factors. Based on your description, your baby has been experiencing sneezing, nasal congestion, and some wheezing sounds during breathing. While these symptoms can be concerning for any parent, it's important to assess the situation carefully.

Firstly, the presence of clear, sticky, and green nasal discharge suggests that your baby may be dealing with a common cold or upper respiratory infection, which is quite typical in infants. The fact that your baby has not had a fever and is eating and sleeping normally is a positive sign. Generally, viral infections in infants can resolve on their own, and supportive care is often sufficient. However, monitoring your baby's symptoms is crucial.

The wheezing sounds you mentioned, especially when your baby is lying in certain positions, could indicate the presence of mucus in the airways. This can happen when babies have colds, as mucus can accumulate and cause a rattling or wheezing sound during breathing. It's also worth noting that infants are more prone to respiratory issues due to their smaller airways, which can easily become obstructed by mucus.

Here are some guidelines to help you determine whether to continue monitoring your baby at home or seek further medical attention:
1. Observe Breathing Patterns: If your baby is breathing rapidly, has difficulty breathing, or shows signs of distress (such as flaring nostrils, grunting, or retractions of the chest), it is crucial to seek medical help immediately.

2. Monitor for Fever: While your baby has not had a fever, if they develop a fever (especially over 100.4°F or 38°C), it may indicate a more serious infection that requires medical evaluation.

3. Check for Changes in Behavior: If your baby becomes unusually lethargic, irritable, or refuses to eat, these could be signs of a more significant issue that warrants a visit to the pediatrician.

4. Nasal Congestion Management: You can continue to use saline drops and a bulb syringe to help clear your baby's nasal passages. Keeping your baby well-hydrated and using a humidifier in their room can also help alleviate congestion.

5. Follow-Up with Your Pediatrician: Since your baby has already been evaluated by a pediatrician, it may be beneficial to follow up if symptoms persist beyond a week or worsen. Your pediatrician can assess whether further intervention is necessary.

6. Consider Allergies: Given your history of allergic rhinitis, it might be worth discussing with your pediatrician whether allergies could be contributing to your baby's symptoms. Allergies can manifest in infants as nasal congestion and sneezing, similar to what you're describing.

In summary, while your baby's symptoms may be typical of a mild viral infection, it's essential to remain vigilant. If you notice any concerning changes in their breathing, behavior, or overall health, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Regular check-ups with your pediatrician will also help ensure that your baby is developing healthily and address any ongoing concerns. Remember, as a parent, your instincts are valuable, and it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your child's health.

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