| |
Coughing and wheezing in babies can be confused with asthma, as the symptoms are often the same. There are a number of other lung conditions that can affect babies under 12 months of age. The most common of these is bronchiolitis.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that affects the small breathing tubes in the lungs. This virus is common in babies, particularly those under six months of age. Bronchiolitis often starts off like a cold, which then leads to coughing and wheezing. Although these symptoms are the same as asthma, bronchiolitis is a different condition. Because the airways in young babies are immature and floppy, they do not constrict as they would in a child with asthma.
Recommended treatment
Bronchiolitis is best treated like any other viral infection. Ensure that the baby: - Rests as much as possible
- Drinks fluids regularly
- Baby Panadol can be given if required.
When to seek medical help
Bronchiolitis can make babies sick for three to five days, but the cough can last for weeks. You should seek medical advice if you are worried or if the baby:- Is breathing rapidly and/or irregularly
- Refuses food and drink
- Turns blue
- Seems tired, pale, sweaty and is very irritable.
Risk factors for developing asthma
Wheezing or bronchiolitis in babies does not mean that a baby will progress to more persistent symptoms and develop asthma in childhood. The risk factors for developing childhood asthma include:- Wheeze developing in late infancy
- Family history of allergy
- Exposure to cigarette smoke before or after birth.
Breastfeeding can reduce the risk
Recent Australian research suggests that breastfeeding a newborn baby for up to four months can significantly reduce the risk of your baby developing childhood asthma.
Diagnosing asthma
Most doctors do not diagnose asthma in babies until after 12 months of age, once the muscles around the airways in the lungs have matured. Sometimes, though, they may prescribe asthma medication before the baby is 12 months, to see if the symptoms respond to that treatment.
Where to get help- Your doctor.
- Your local community health centre.
- Asthma Victoria, Helpline Tel.1800 645 130 or (03) 9326 7088
- Maternal and child health nurse
Things to remember- Coughing and wheezing in babies is usually the result of a viral infection such as bronchiolitis.
- Having bronchiolitis or another lung condition as a baby does not indicate that the baby will develop asthma as a child.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms are persistent or you are worried about your baby.
|
|
