Breathing difficulties can be an indication of a number of possible conditions. The following list of symptoms will help to narrow down the cause.

Symptoms   
  • Chest or nasal congestion
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Sneezing
  • Cough
  • Body aches
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Breathing trouble (from congestion)
Likely Cause        Cold
 

Symptoms   
  • Typical cold symptoms (See Colds)
  • Deep chest cough that progressively worsens (sounds like a bark)
  • High fever
  • Hard breathing that is noisy
  • Whistle when inhaling
  • Wheezing when exhaling
  • Symptoms are more severe at night
Likely Cause        Croup


Symptoms   
  • Sore throat or pain in the throat
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Breathlessness
  • Drooling
Likely Cause        Swallowed object (seek medical attention immediately)
 
 
Symptoms   
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Cough
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Symptoms more prevalent in the early morning or late night
  • Symptoms occur after exertion
  • History or allergies
  • Family history of asthma or allergies
Likely Cause        Asthma (if symptoms are severe, seek medical attention immediately.)
 
 
Symptoms   
  • Typical cold symptoms (See Colds)
  • Possible low-grade fever
  • Cough that worsens and is fast and labored
  • Wheezing
Likely Cause        Bronchitis
 
 
Symptoms   
  • Typical cold symptoms (See Colds) that continue to worsen
  • Persistent cough
  • Hard and fast breathing that is much labored
  • Fever and chills
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Irritability
  • Headache
  • Pain in the chest or stomach
  • Wheezing
Likely Cause        Pneumonia
 
 
Symptoms   
  • Typical cold symptoms (See Colds) that are persistent
  • Dry cough
  • Watery, itchy eyes
  • Runny nose with clear thin mucus
  • Under-eye circles
  • Wheezing
  • Skin rash
Likely Cause        Environmental allergy
 
 
Symptoms  
  • Hives
  • Swelling
  • Eczema
  • Labored breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Symptoms worsen after eating
Likely Cause    Food Allergy (if your child is having trouble breathing, seek medication attention immediately)
 
 
Symptoms   
  • Irritation of the throat
  • Persistent cough
  • Wheezing
  • Allergy or asthma symptoms that worsen
Likely Cause        Environmental Irritant
 
 
Symptoms  
  • Extreme sore throat
  • High fever
  • Labored breathing that is noisy
  • Drooling
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Blue color to lips or skin
Likely Cause        Epiglottitis   (seek medical attention immediately)

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