Wheezing in children is a relatively sharp sound that occurs during breathing when the airways are blocked or narrowed. There are several reasons for this complication that can be treated with early medical interventions. But what is the best medicine for children's wheezing? Are herbal and home remedies effective? In this article, we are going to examine the causes and methods of treating wheezing in babies and children, so stay with us until the end. What is meant by wheezing? Wheezing is a sharp and whistle-like sound that occurs in babies, children and even adults. This condition occurs when the airways become narrow. Among the most important causes of airway obstruction or narrowing, the following can be mentioned:
- Swelling of tissues in airways
- Spasm of small muscles in the wall of the airways (bronchospasm)
- Accumulation of mucus in the airways
Types of wheezing in babies and children
In general, wheezing is divided into temporary and permanent forms, and most babies and children experienced the temporary and transitional type at least once. ### Temporary wheezing in the child's chest
This type of disease is not worrisome and is usually caused by inflammation in the child's respiratory area due to colds and flu in children. ### Constant wheezing of the child's chest
This type of wheezing is not resolved by reducing the inflammation and needs more treatments. Usually, children with problems, allergies, pneumonia and asthma have long-term wheezing. Causes of wheezing in children
The cause of wheezing in infancy is very diverse, but the most common cause of a sudden episode of wheezing in infants and young children is usually a viral respiratory infection. While the most common causes of frequent episodes of wheezing are:
- Recurrent viral lung infection
- Allergic conditions
- Children's asthma
- Heart diseases
Less common causes of recurrent wheezing include chronic swallowing problems that cause repeated aspiration of food or liquid into the lungs, gastroesophageal reflux, a foreign body in the lungs, or heart failure. Regardless of the primary cause of wheezing, symptoms are often exacerbated by allergies or inhaled irritants (such as tobacco smoke). The effect of gastric reflux on children's wheezing
As mentioned, a very common symptom in infants who suffer from gastrointestinal reflux and due to physiological problems, some stomach acid is returned in the digestive tract, wheezing is common in this group of infants. Infants who regurgitate some milk after feeding cause irritation of the airways and eventually cause wheezing. The effect of heart diseases on infant wheezing
Among the other cases that can cause wheezing in infants is heart disease in children, especially cases that are not very severe and are not diagnosed. Usually, when parents go to a pediatrician because of their child's wheezing, they are not aware of the cause, but the incidence of wheezing due to heart diseases in children is less than that of respiratory diseases. Danger signs of wheezing in children
Wheezing is often accompanied by frequent dry or expectorant coughs. Other symptoms depend on the cause and may include fever, runny nose and feeding problems, problems with heart failure, or difficulty swallowing. When the child exhales, a sharp wheezing sound is heard, and if the airway is severely narrowed, a wheezing sound is heard during inhalation. Also, critically ill children may breathe rapidly, using too many chest muscles to breathe. Additionally, children with lung infections may have a high fever. The process of diagnosing wheezing in children
Among the most important diagnostic methods of this condition in children, the following can be mentioned:
- X-ray of the chest
- In rare cases, computed tomography or bronchoscopy
For severe wheezing, most doctors use a chest X-ray to check for signs of a foreign body in the lungs, pneumonia, or heart failure. Doctors measure the blood oxygen level by placing a sensor on the child's finger. Diagnosis of asthma and allergies in children
It should be said that usually these diseases are not investigated at this age, except in very serious and acute cases that require further investigations. Therefore, it is recommended that families do not worry, dangerous and more serious diseases cannot always be the cause of children's wheezing. Ways to treat children's wheezing
In the case of wheezing, it is chosen according to the main cause of its occurrence. After diagnosing the main cause of wheezing, a pediatrician can recommend a treatment solution according to it. However, the most important treatments for wheezing are:
- Sometimes bronchodilators such as bronchodilators and sometimes corticosteroids are prescribed. - For severe wheezing, daily doses of bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs are used for asthma
Infants and young children with persistent wheezing are given an inhaled bronchodilator (such as albuterol) and, if the wheezing is severe, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), either by mouth or intravenously. - Children who are unlikely to have persistent asthma, such as those with no symptoms of allergies or a family history of allergies or asthma, and whose wheezing episodes are mild and infrequent, usually only need inhaled bronchodilators, which are used as needed to control their symptoms. Note that the treatment of wheezing should only be done in consultation with a doctor, because there are several reasons for its occurrence that can only be diagnosed with the help of a pediatrician. The mentioned treatments are only for parents' knowledge and familiarity, so avoid arbitrary treatments. The best medicine for children's wheezing
Treatment of wheezing in children may include the use of antitussive products (such as ambroxolin). Antitocyanins have mild side effects and can help relieve wheezing and hoarseness. Breast relief syrups, such as guaifenesin syrup, are also used as an option. These syrups help drain secretions from the respiratory tract and reduce wheezing. Taking care of the baby in an environment with proper humidity can also be beneficial. Using a warm mist or air humidifier in the child's room can help relieve wheezing. The important thing is to never prescribe over-the-counter medicines to your child and always consult the best pediatrician to treat your child. The doctor will prescribe the right medicine according to the cause of wheezing and the general condition of the child. ### Syrup for children's wheezing
Chest syrups are one of the most widely used drugs to treat wheezing in children with temporary symptoms. Of course, in some cases, drugs such as children's acetaminophen, antihistamines, and dextromethorphan are prescribed to prevent symptoms associated with wheezing, such as cough and runny nose. It is worth noting that these drugs should not be used without a doctor's prescription, because they can cause serious side effects or have no effect on the treatment of the disease. Home treatment for children's wheezing
Home remedies for children's wheezing are effective only in cases of inflammation of the child's respiratory tract, such as a cold. One of the most important solutions is the following:
- Using a humidifier and keeping the air humid
- Keeping the body of the child and baby hydrated
- Use of hot water fumigation
- Consumption of warm liquids and nutritious foods
Home treatment for baby wheezing
Home remedies for baby wheezing can help relieve symptoms and help them breathe easier. But before using any home remedies, it is important to consult with your pediatrician to make sure that the chosen method is safe and suitable for your baby. Here are some home remedies for wheezing in babies:
- Regulation of breast secretions with the help of warm fumigation or air humidifier
- Breast massage using lotion or baby oil
- Help the baby to cough so that secretions are removed from the respiratory tract
- Washing the baby's nose using physiological salt or warm water
Herbal treatment of children's wheezing
Herbal remedies can be effective for adults, but using herbs for children, especially children under 6 years of age, may have side effects. Although teas of thyme, ginger and cinnamon can be useful for children over 6 years old, it is better to avoid herbal remedies for children's wheezing and see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. What foods are good for wheezing children? Certain foods and foods can help relieve wheezing in children. In the following, we will mention some of them so that you can include them in your child's feeding plan if possible:
### ↲ Honey
You can give your baby natural honey. Honey carries the risk of botulism infection in children under 1 year of age, so make sure your child is over 1 year of age before using honey. ### ↲ Hot drinks
You can give your baby warm drinks such as warm water, herbal teas or warm tea. These drinks may help relieve wheezing. ### ↲ Moisturizing drinks
Offering your baby something to drink, such as water or milk, may help regulate secretions and relieve wheezing. ### ↲ Jam
Consuming a small amount of jam before going to bed can help soothe a child's wheezing. It is better to choose natural jam without additives for this purpose. ### **Finally…**
Almost one in three children has experienced wheezing at least once before the age of 3. Studies have reported the prevalence of wheezing in preschool children between 25 and 38%, but most of them are temporary and disappear after the reduction of inflammation and respiratory tract infection in children. Note that early diagnosis and treatment of wheezing in children can prevent the progression of more serious diseases such as asthma. In the end, it is recommended to go to the best pediatrician in Tehran for the correct diagnosis and proper treatment of this condition and avoid arbitrary and home remedies for wheezing in children.
