Infant Lung Problems

Lung problems in infants are difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms (coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing) can be caused by many factors. Infant lung problems can range from a respiratory infection, early development of asthma or a common cold.

The Common Cold

• The common cold can be the reason behind your infant's exhibiting difficulty breathing. Symptoms of an infant's cold may include coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. It is important that you take your infant to the doctor to be examined if you suspect he has contracted a cold, as the cold can quickly turn into something more serious, such as bronchiolitis.

Bronchiolitis

• Bronchiolitis is a fairly common pulmonary infection that causes coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing in infants. With bronchiolitis, the bronchial passages swell and line with mucous, making it difficult for an infant to breathe. Infants are often affected by this infection more than other children due to the fact that the infant's airway is smaller and therefore is more easily blocked.

Asthma

• Asthma is a pulmonary disease caused by inflammation of the airways that affects more than 6 million children. It is a primary cause for infant lung problems, but it is difficult to diagnose in infants because asthma isn't fully assessed until a lung function test can be performed. Lung function tests are easier to perform on older children (ages 6 and above) because they are better able to complete the deep breathing exercises.

Respiratory Infection

• A respiratory infection may also be the culprit for your infant's lung problems. When an infant contracts a respiratory tract infection, her already small airways become swollen and mucous lined, which will lead to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

Other Causes

• Some other factors may cause an infant to display difficulty breathing. In rare cases, a small object such as food or a foreign object could have been inhaled into the infant's lungs. Another factor which may cause lung problems in infants is an improperly developed airway (only in infants who were born premature). Check with your doctor if you suspect your infant is experiencing lung problems as a result of one of these factors.