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
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)