Shortness of Breath in Children: Causes and Treatment
Understand the common causes of shortness of breath in children and how to identify serious symptoms. Learn about effective treatment options and when to seek medical attention.
Written by Dr. Mohammed Kamran
Reviewed by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai MBBS
Last updated on 26th Aug, 2025
As a parent, seeing your child struggle to breathe can be frightening. Shortness of breath (also called dyspnea) in children can happen for many reasons, some mild and temporary, while others may need medical attention. Understanding the possible causes, symptoms, and treatments can help you take the right steps to keep your child safe and healthy.
What Causes Shortness of Breath in Children?
Shortness of breath in children can be triggered by various factors, including:
1. Common Respiratory Infections
- Colds & Flu – Viral infections can cause nasal congestion, cough, and mild breathing difficulty.
- Bronchiolitis – Common in infants, caused by viruses like RSV, leading to wheezing and rapid breathing.
- Pneumonia – A lung infection that makes breathing difficult due to fluid buildup.
2. Asthma
- A chronic condition where airways become inflamed and narrow, causing wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness, especially at night or after physical activity.
3. Allergies & Anaphylaxis
- Allergic reactions (to pollen, dust, pet dander) can cause nasal congestion and mild breathing trouble.
Severe allergies (anaphylaxis) – A life-threatening reaction causing throat swelling, requiring immediate medical help.
4. Foreign Object Inhalation
- Young children may accidentally inhale small objects (like food or toys), blocking their airways and causing sudden choking or coughing.
5. Heart Conditions
- Rarely, heart problems (like congenital heart defects) can cause breathlessness, especially during feeding or physical activity.
6. Anxiety or Panic Attacks
- Older children may experience rapid breathing due to stress or anxiety.
Consult a Top Pulmonologist
When Should You Worry?
Seek emergency care if your child has:
- Severe difficulty breathing (gasping, flaring nostrils, chest sinking in)
- Bluish lips or face (sign of low oxygen)
- High fever with rapid breathing
- Sudden choking or inability to speak
- Wheezing that doesn’t improve with asthma medication
For milder symptoms, consult a doctor if:
- Breathing trouble lasts more than a day
- Your child is unusually tired or refuses to eat/drink
- Breathing is noisy (whistling or grunting sounds)
How Is Shortness of Breath Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause:
1. For Infections (Cold, Flu, Bronchiolitis)
- Rest & hydration – Encourage fluids and proper sleep.
Saline drops & humidifiers – Help clear nasal congestion.
Fever management – Use child-safe fever reducers (like paracetamol).
2. For Asthma
- Inhalers (bronchodilators) – Provide quick relief during an attack.
- Preventive medications – Help reduce long-term inflammation.
- Avoid triggers – Keep away from smoke, dust, and cold air.
3. For Allergies
- Antihistamines – Help with mild allergic reactions.
- Epinephrine (for severe allergies) – If prescribed, use an auto-injector (EpiPen) and seek emergency care.
4. For Foreign Object Inhalation
- Back blows & abdominal thrusts (for choking) – Learn first aid for choking.
- Emergency removal – A doctor may need to extract the object.
5. For Anxiety-Related Breathing Issues
- Deep breathing exercises – Teach slow, controlled breathing.
- Calming techniques – Distraction, reassurance, and relaxation methods help.
Preventing Breathing Problems in Children
You can reduce the risk of shortness of breath by:
- Keeping vaccinations updated (Flu, RSV, whooping cough)
- Avoiding smoke exposure (Secondhand smoke worsens asthma)
- Managing allergies (Reduce dust mites, pet dander, pollen exposure)
- Encouraging hand hygiene (Prevents viral infections)
- Monitoring asthma triggers (Keep inhalers handy)
When to See a Doctor
If your child frequently experiences breathing difficulties, consult a pediatrician or pulmonologist. Apollo 24|7 offers expert consultations and diagnostic tests to help identify the cause and provide the right treatment.
Need Help?
Book a Pediatric Consultation Now on Apollo 24|7 for expert advice.
Final Thoughts
Shortness of breath in children can be alarming, but most cases are manageable with proper care. Stay alert to warning signs, follow preventive measures, and seek medical help when needed. Your child’s health and comfort come first!
Consult a Top Pulmonologist
Consult a Top Pulmonologist
Dr. P Sravani
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
3 Years • MBBS, MD
Visakhapatnam
Apollo Clinic Vizag, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Hyder
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (PULMONOLOGY)
Guntur
Kalam chest and multi-speciality clinic, Guntur
Dr. K Prasanna Kumar Reddy
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, DTCD (TB&CHEST), DNB (PULM MED), FCCP
Hyderabad
Apollo Medical Centre Kondapur, Hyderabad
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Aakanksha Chawla
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MD (Pulmonary Medicine), IDCCM, IFCCM (Indian Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(250+ Patients)
Consult a Top Pulmonologist
Dr. P Sravani
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
3 Years • MBBS, MD
Visakhapatnam
Apollo Clinic Vizag, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Hyder
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (PULMONOLOGY)
Guntur
Kalam chest and multi-speciality clinic, Guntur
Dr. K Prasanna Kumar Reddy
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, DTCD (TB&CHEST), DNB (PULM MED), FCCP
Hyderabad
Apollo Medical Centre Kondapur, Hyderabad
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Aakanksha Chawla
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MD (Pulmonary Medicine), IDCCM, IFCCM (Indian Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(250+ Patients)