Croup<\/a> is characterized by a deep, bark-like cough, hoarseness, and breathing difficulty that primarily exhibits itself upon inhaling, which may result in a harsh, high-pitched whistling sound.\u00a0 Although the sounds coming from your baby may be alarming, croup is not always serious and does not always require professional medical care.\u00a0 In most cases, at-home treatments also used for colds in infants should suffice.\u00a0 However, if your baby’s symptoms persist or worsen, her doctor may prescribe a medication to open her constricted airways.\u00a0\u00a0 And if she is struggling to breathe, call your physician immediately, as upper airway obstruction may require intensive medical care under the supervision of a skilled respiratory therapist and doctor.<\/p>\nPneumonia<\/h2>\n
Prompt recognition and treatment of pneumonia is essential, as infant mortality is often linked to this illness.\u00a0 The virus itself, an upper respiratory infection, or a weakened immune system can all cause pneumonia.\u00a0 Pneumonia is an infection in the air sacs of the lungs, which interferes with the proper exchange of carbon dioxide. Symptoms of pneumonia include rapid breathing, fever, cough, loss of appetite, and lack of responsiveness.\u00a0\u00a0 Fortunately, in the majority of children, pneumonia is not serious and can be easily treated at home or with antibiotics.\u00a0\u00a0 However, hospitalization may be required for infants, as their immune systems are not fully developed.\u00a0 If your child has a fever, difficulty breathing, is wheezing, turning blue, is not feeding well, or seems confused, get immediate medical care.<\/p>\n
Bronchitis<\/h2>\n
Bronchitis is an infection that attacks the bronchial tubes, and causes narrowing and swelling due to inflammation. Treatment for this condition can vary from none at all to the use of strong medications and other respiratory care treatments prescribed by a doctor for more severe symptoms.<\/p>\n
Bronchiolitis<\/h2>\n
Primarily occurring in infants, bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the smaller tubes of the branching network of bronchi. At first, your infant may appear to have a simple cold.\u00a0 But as the illness takes hold, the child will develop a harsh cough, labored breathing, and wheezing.\u00a0 Bronchiolitis may simply require attentive home care; however, if no improvement in condition is noticed, or the condition worsens, you may want to seek professional medical care.<\/p>\n
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)<\/h2>\n
RSV causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages, and is highly contagious.\u00a0 In most cases, RSV is quite mild and should require no professional treatment.\u00a0 But in some in infants, an RSV infection may require hospitalization so that the baby can be observed, receive vital fluids, and receive proper respiratory care.\u00a0\u00a0 If your baby has a high fever, is irritable or inactive, appears ill or dehydrated, has a worsening cough, or has a cough that produces yellow, green or gray mucus, then seek medical attention.\u00a0 If your child appears to be having trouble breathing, is breathing rapidly, or her lips or fingernails have a bluish tint, then call emergency medical personnel.<\/p>\n
Sinusitis<\/h2>\n
Sinusitis symptoms are similar to those of a common cold, except that sinusitis symptoms last longer than three weeks and cold medicines will have no positive effects.\u00a0\u00a0 When your infant acquires a respiratory infection, complications can arise, as the infant\u2019s still-developing immune system cannot properly fight off illness.\u00a0\u00a0 And if this virus is left untreated, it can result in sinusitis.\u00a0\u00a0 If your baby\u2019s cold symptoms have lasted longer than two weeks, a sinus infection may be present.\u00a0 When the sinus lining becomes inflamed and swells, the resulting excessive mucus can cause choking, coughing, and nausea. Unfortunately, your infant will not be able to tell you that they are experiencing pressure and pain in an affected sinus area.\u00a0\u00a0 Treat sinusitis in much the same way as you would treat your baby\u2019s cold, and to avoid any complications, try to begin treatment of sinusitis immediately. Self-care techniques are usually the only treatment needed. And to avoid the onset of sinusitis altogether, get early treatment for colds and allergies.<\/p>\n
Allergies<\/h2>\n
If the mucus in your infant\u2019s runny nose is consistently clear in color, then she may be suffering from an allergy.\u00a0 Visit your pediatrician to determine what is causing your baby to have such a reaction in order to prevent further discomfort and serious allergic reactions.\u00a0 Allergies are not that common in babies, but if she is suffering, then you clearly want to have her undergo blood and skin tests to determine the culprit allergen.\u00a0 Then, your doctor can come up with an effective treatment plan, and you can begin protecting your child from the harmful allergen.<\/p>\n
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you have placed every possible safety precaution ever invented in her room.\u00a0 Nevertheless, you still can\u2019t help but go and check on her once every five minutes.\u00a0 After all, your baby is a fragile being, and her physical wellbeing is a very delicate thing.\u00a0 But try as you might, it is inevitable that your infant will experience respiratory infections, so let\u2019s put the various symptoms into perspective and uncover some of the approaches to respiratory care.<\/p>\n