Difficulty breathing can be caused by some respiratory illnesses and is always a reason to bring a child to the nearest Emergency Department (ED). SickKids’ Emergency Physician, Dr. Alia Sunderji, shares the specific signs you should look for and how to monitor a child’s breathing.

The information in this video is provided for educational purposes only. It is not designed or intended to constitute medical advice or to be used for diagnosis. Due to unique individual needs, you should consult your personal physician before making any decisions regarding treatment or mediation. If you require emergency help, contact your local emergency services: in Ontario, call 911 or go to your local hospital emergency room.

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VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Hi. My name is Dr. Alia and I'm a pediatric emergency doctor at SickKids.

One of the questions parents always ask me is: How do I know if my child is having trouble breathing? Difficulty breathing is always a reason to seek care in the nearest Emergency Department.

There are specific signs you should look for if you suspect a child is having trouble breathing. Signs that a child is having difficulty breathing include: Nasal flaring. Tracheal tug. Chest retractions - seeing their ribs as they breathe. Having a bluish or purple discolouration around the lips. Grunting or being unable to speak in full sentences.

The following sounds are associated with work of breathing: Wheezing - which is a sound made when breathing out. It sometimes sounds like this (wheezing sounds) OR stridor which is a high-pitched sound made when breathing in.It sometimes sounds like this (stridor sounds). Children under the age of two
who have signs of difficulty breathing, particularly wheeze, nasal flaring and chest retractions, may have a condition called bronchiolitis.

Bronchiolitis is an infection of the lungs caused by a virus most often the respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. What we focus on in the ED is helping the baby breathe easier often through frequent nasal suctioning and ensuring the baby can continue to feed.
Placing a drop of nasal saline in the nostrils and suctioning with something like a nasal aspirator before feeding can be incredibly helpful.

Suctioning can help your baby feed better and prevent them from becoming dehydrated.

Monitor their wet diapers closely. The wet diapers can be a helpful clue that a baby is drinking enough. If a baby shows these signs of difficulty breathing or is having fewer wet diapers, than you should visit your nearest Emergency Department.
Children over two years of age, who show signs of work of breathing, should also seek emergent care.


#ChildHealth #EmergencyDepartment

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