Choose a symptom and answer simple questions using our physician-reviewed symptom checker to find more information on your health issue.
Does your child have a fever?
Choose an option below.
Does your child have a moist, productive cough and cold or flu symptoms?
Small children are prone to BRONCHIOLITIS, a cough that also has a symptom of shortness of breath. BRONCHITIS and PNEUMONIA may also cause shortness of breath.
Does your child have a sore throat and a dry, barking cough (sounds like a seal), or does he or she seem to have a very tight-feeling throat? Is he/she leaning forward and putting one arm down to hold themselves up (called tripoding)?
CROUP, EPIGLOTTITIS or an ABSCESS in the tonsils could cause these symptoms. All are serious infections and can block the airway or reduce its size.
Does your child have a dry cough and cold symptoms along with shortness of breath?
Occasionally, VIRAL BRONCHITIS will cause bronchial constriction just like asthma and cause shortness of breath.
Is your child wheezing and short of breath?
ASTHMA can cause wheezing and can be serious, but it’s treatable.
Does your child seem to be short of breath after he or she swallowed or choked on a toy, coin or other object?
Any small object can block an airway and cause shortness of breath or CHOKING.
Does your baby ever have times during sleep when he or she seems to stop breathing?
Short episodes of not breathing may be normal, while longer episodes may be a warning sign of SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS).
Take your child to your doctor right away. Do not give cough or cold medications to any child under five years.
Take your child to your doctor right away. Consider calling an ambulance or taking the child to the closest emergency room if the shortness of breath is severe.
Take your child to your doctor right away.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call your doctor right away. Do not give cough or cold medications to any child under five years.
Take your child to your doctor right away. Watch your child closely and allow him or her to cough (this may remove the object). If necessary, carefully clear the airway with a sweeping motion of your finger. If your child is choking, perform the HEIMLICH MANEUVER immediately, and call an ambulance.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call your doctor right away.
DISCLAIMER
Symptom Checker content is provided for informational purposes only. This tool may leverage certain generative artificial intelligence tools to generate results, but you should not rely on this tool as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health or the information provided when you use this tool, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read using this tool or on the FamilyDoctor.org website. Use this content solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, dial 911.
