Wheezing In Children
Various types of diseases are characterized by the presence of wheezing in children. These can be determined by a squeaky hissing sound during breathing, which occurs when air travels through the narrow airways in the lungs.
According to pediatricians Lydiana Ávila and Manuel Soto, from the Hospital Nacional de Niños “Dr. Carlos Saenz Herrera ”from Costa Rica, there are various pediatric diseases that are characterized by the presence of wheezing.
For this reason, they emphasize that the diagnosis is differential. In addition, they emphasize that asthma is the most common wheezing disease, although there are also others that can cause it.
What is wheezing in children?
Wheezing in children is known as a respiratory noise that is found, in most cases, on expiration; however, it often occurs in inspiration as well.
Why does wheezing occur?
According to the aforementioned specialists, wheezing occurs when an airflow obstruction is generated. This produces a vibration of the walls, which in turn causes an audible sound. Some of the causes of wheezing in children are:
- Asthma: Bronchial asthma is the most common cause of wheezing in children. It is a chronic disease, in which inflammation of the airways occurs.
- Inhalation of a foreign body in the lungs: The sudden appearance of wheezing may be the indication of the aspiration of a foreign body. Objects stuck in the larynx, trachea, or bronchi produce severe dyspnea, while objects in the peripheral airways can cause recurrent pneumonia and wheezing.
- Viral infection: Infectious pictures, mainly those of viral origin, are a frequent cause of wheezing in children, especially in infants. In them, respiratory syncytial viruses, adenovirus, parainfluenza, influenza, rhinovirus and atypical bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumonia e can appear.
- Some medications: Accidental ingestion of organophosphates such as parathion and methyl parathion can cause wheezing, coughing, and dyspnea due to inhibition of serum anticholinesterase.
- Bronchiectasis: It can be caused by damage to the larger airways in the lungs, causing the airways to widen.
- Bronchiolitis: Infectious agents are generally the cause of wheezing in children. Bronchiolitis, on the other hand, is an acute inflammatory obstruction of the small airways.
- Bronchitis: It is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to the lungs; It may be acute or chronic.
- Gastroesophageal reflux: It consists of the spontaneous passage of acid gastric content from the stomach to the esophagus. It may be due to incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Aspiration of irritants: May occur due to inhalation of chemical vapors, hydrocarbons or smoke.
Symptoms of wheezing in children
This wheezing when breathing is usually accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the cause. Therefore, when hearing a hissing sound when the little one breathes out or breathes in, it is important to pay special attention to the appearance of the following symptoms:
- Recurrent dry or sputum cough.
- Runny nose.
- Fever.
- Difficulty feeding.
- Bluish discoloration of the skin (in some cases).
Diagnosis
When it comes to severe wheezing, the specialist will order a chest X-ray to look for signs that indicate the presence of a foreign body in the lungs, pneumonia, or heart failure. The oxygen level in the blood is then determined through a sensor on a finger (pulse oximetry).
On the other hand, asthma attacks do not require additional tests, unless there are signs of serious respiratory problems. Children with frequent asthma attacks or other severe symptoms that are not relieved by bronchodilators or other drugs may need other tests. Swallowing studies, computed tomography, or bronchoscopy are usually performed.
Also, in the physical examination there should be key data; for example, if there is low weight, heart sounds and, of course, also the auscultatory characteristics of wheezing.
In short, the appearance of wheezing in the child can be an indication of a respiratory disease that could affect the quality of life of the child. So, when you notice a hissing sound, it is essential to go immediately to the pediatrician to perform the corresponding tests.
