Congested Breathing in Children

Alan Adler, MD, practices at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center.

Learn more about Banner Kids health information 

Full Transcript - Breathing Issues Audio

Does your child have a hard time breathing?

Opening Theme Music

This is “Ask the Expert” brought to you by Banner Health.

There are many reasons for a child to have congested-sounding breathing – a stuffy nose and large tonsils are two of the most common reasons but there are many more. 

According to Dr. Alan Adler, a Pediatric Pulmonologist with Banner Children’s Medical Group at Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center, you should be concerned if the congestion is chronic or if the congestion interferes with sleep – either theirs or yours – eating, and even the child’s ability to speak clearly. If your child always seems to breathe through their mouth or requires more effort for each breath than you think they should, you should discuss this with their pediatrician. 

Many infants and young children have wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound, when they have a cold, although this could be a sign of asthma. Most infants who have wheezing don’t have asthma and they usually stop wheezing by the age of five. Of course, any time your child’s breathing seems abnormal to you, consult with your doctor.

This has been “Ask the Expert” brought to you by Banner Health.

Closing Theme Music