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Wheezing (Other Than Asthma)

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Does this describe your child's symptoms?

 

Definition

  • A high-pitched purring or whistling sound produced during breathing out

  • Use this guideline only if the child has never been treated for asthma

Causes

  • Main cause in the first 2 years of life: bronchiolitis (peaks at 6-12 months). This is a viral infection (usually RSV) of the small airways (bronchioles).

  • Main cause after age 2: may be the first attack of asthma.

Return to Day Care

  • Your child can return to child care after the wheezing and fever are gone.

If not, see these topics

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When to Call Your Doctor

call 911

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If

  • Wheezing started suddenly after medicine, an allergic food or bee sting

  • Severe difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath, making grunting noises with each breath, unable to speak or cry because of difficulty breathing)

  • Your child passed out or has bluish lips

  • Child recently choked on small object or food

call now

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • Wheezing but none of the symptoms described above

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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD WHEEZING (until you talk with your doctor)

  1. Warm Fluids for Coughing Spasms: For any bouts of severe coughing, offer warm apple juice or lemonade if over 4 months old. (Reason: These can relax the airway and loosen up sticky secretions). Do not give any cough medicine.

  2. Nasal Washes To Open a Blocked Nose:

    • Use saline nose drops or spray to loosen up the dried mucus. If not available, can use warm tap water.

    • STEP 1: Instill 3 drops per nostril. (Age under 1 year, use 1 drop and do one side at a time)

    • STEP 2: Blow (or suction) each nostril separately, while closing off the other nostril. Then do other side.

    • STEP 3: Repeat nose drops and blowing (or suctioning) until the discharge is clear.

    • Frequency: Do nasal washes whenever your child can't breathe through the nose.

    • Saline nasal sprays can be purchased without a prescription.

    • Saline nose drops can also be made: Add 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) of table salt to 1 cup (8 ounces or 240 ml) of warm water.

    • Reason for nose drops: suction or nose blowing alone can't remove dried or sticky mucus.

    • Another option: use a warm shower to loosen mucus. Breathe in the moist air, then blow each nostril.

    • For young children, can also use a wet cotton swab to remove sticky mucus.

    • Importance for a young infant: can't nurse or drink from a bottle unless the nose is open.

  3. Humidifier: If the air is dry in your home, run a humidifier.

  4. Smaller Feedings: Encourage small, frequent feedings whenever your child has the energy to drink. (Reason: Child with wheezing doesn't have enough energy for long feedings).

  5. Avoid Tobacco Smoke: Active or passive smoking makes coughs much worse.

  6. Contagiousness: Your child can return to child care after the wheezing and fever are gone.

  7. Call Your Doctor If:

    • Breathing becomes difficult, tight or loud

    • Wheezing becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Online Medical Reviewer: Louise Akin, RN, BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith, RN, MSN, FNP, CCRC
Last Review Date: 2/21/2012
© 2000-2013 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.