Noisy Breathing in Children
Noisy breathing in children is a common condition, usually caused by a blockage in the air passages.
What is going on in the body?
Noisy breathing is generally caused when a blockage somewhere in the breathing passages creates abnormal airflow. The blockage can be anywhere from the mouth to deep inside the lungs. Noisy breathing may be harmless or a life-threatening condition.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many causes of noisy breathing in children. Some of the possibilities are these:
small objects into the mouth that are accidentally be inhaled into the windpipe
a structural defect such as a deviated nasal septum, which divides the two nostrils unequally
respiratory infections, such as croup, influenza, pertussis, epiglottitis, pneumonia, RSV infection, bronchiolitis, and the common cold.
metabolic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition that affects the lungs
asthma, which results in reversible narrowing of the airways
gastroesophageal reflux disease, which occurs when stomach contents and acid flow backward all the way up into the throat and mouth and affect breathing.
sleep apnea, a condition that results in a blockage of the airway in the throat during sleep
tumors or cancer that partially or fully block the airways
nervous system problems or damage that affect the ability to breathe, such as cerebral palsy
paralysis of a vocal cord
heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure that can cause fluid to collect in the lungs
Other causes are also possible.
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