All Locations Open 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week

Choking Breathing Problems

Emergency Care for Pediatric Breathing Problems

When your child is having difficulty breathing, it can be scary and confusing to navigate. What do you do? Where should you take them for medical care?

Prestige Emergency Room offers rapid, expert treatment for pediatric breathing problems at all our convenient San Antonio locations.

What Are Pediatric Breathing Problems?

Children may experience breathing difficulty from a wide range of causes, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Their smaller size and lower reserves mean respiratory distress (an emergency breathing problem) is especially serious in children. Here are some things you should know about breathing issues in children.

Causes of Breathing Issues in Children

Pediatric breathing problems can stem from many different causes. Here are a few:

  • Asthma.
  • Flu.
  • Bronchitis.
  • Pneumonia.
  • COVID-19.
  • Croup.
  • Whooping cough (pertussis).
  • Anaphylactic reaction.
  • Blockage in the airway (foreign object).

Symptoms of Respiratory Distress in Children

You need to know the common symptoms of respiratory distress in children so you can get them the help they need when they need it. Symptoms of an emergency pediatric breathing situation include:

  • Rate. A child may breathe more quickly than usual.
  • Color. A bluish or gray tinge to a child’s lips, mouth, or fingernails indicates they aren’t getting enough oxygen.
  • Wheezing. A wheezing noise with breathing can accompany asthma and other breathing problems.
  • Stridor. This high-pitched noise from the upper airway is a very concerning sign that a child’s breathing is compromised.
  • Nasal Flaring. If a child’s nostrils are spread open while breathing, it can indicate they are working hard to breathe.
  • Grunting. For children, grunting can be their body’s way of trying to keep the lungs and airways open during a respiratory crisis.
  • Accessory Muscles. When they are working hard to breathe, a child may use their neck muscles or the muscles between their ribs. You may notice retractions, where the ribs pull inward with each breath.
  • Confusion or Lethargy. Lack of oxygen and fatigue from the work of breathing can make a child confused or exhausted.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Breathing Problems

If you notice these signs of respiratory distress in your child, get them to an emergency room or call 911 immediately. Breathing emergencies in children can unfold quickly and can lead to life-threatening outcomes. If you are concerned, act.

Other reasons to get emergency pediatric breathing treatment include:

  • Choking.
  • Breathing problems after a new food, medication, or insect sting (possible anaphylaxis).

Diagnosing Breathing and Choking Problems in Children

In the ER, providers can quickly assess your child, check vital signs (including their oxygen level), discuss any pertinent medical history or chronic conditions, and listen to your child’s breathing. In a respiratory or choking emergency, providers are trained to provide CPR and begin other emergency treatments rapidly.

Treatment Options for Pediatric Breathing and Choking Problems in the ER

Treatment for each child will depend on their situation but may include:

  • Oxygen: Oxygen can be quickly administered using a nasal cannula or face mask.
  • Medication: For conditions like asthma, nebulized medication can be administered to open up your child’s airways. Oral or intravenous medications may also be used to treat various breathing emergencies.
  • CPR: The providers at Prestige ER are highly trained and equipped with the tools they need to provide CPR and relieve choking in an emergency.

Prevention and Safety Tips for Parents

Having the knowledge and training you need can help equip you to help your child in a breathing emergency or prevent one from happening.

How to Prevent Breathing and Choking Emergencies

There are things you can do as a parent to help prevent breathing or choking emergencies:

Choking Prevention

  • Don’t give smooth, hard foods to children under 4, including nuts, whole grapes, hard candy, chunks of meat, or fruits with seeds.
  • Cut foods like hot dogs, meat, vegetables, and fruit into small pieces to prevent choking.
  • Encourage kids to sit still and chew thoroughly while eating.

Breathing

  • If your child has asthma, ensure they use any prescribed inhalers as ordered and have a rescue inhaler available.
  • If your child has had anaphylaxis and has an EpiPen, always have it with them.
  • If your child has food or other allergies that may trigger breathing issues, ensure they avoid exposure to these triggers.
  • If your child is sick with an upper respiratory infection like the flu, COVID-19, or another virus, pay close attention to their breathing and be ready to get care quickly for any concerning signs.

Essential First Aid Skills Every Parent Should Know

As a parent, you want to be prepared to care for your child no matter what happens. Consider seeking out training in first aid and CPR skills. Training can help prepare you for unexpected injuries or emergencies. Helpful skills include:

  • CPR, including choking maneuvers.
  • First aid, including burn or wound care.

Why Choose Prestige Emergency Room for Pediatric Breathing Treatment?

At Prestige Emergency Room, our providers are trained and experienced in providing emergency care for children. We can handle breathing issues in children and adults, and we are fully equipped with the resources to diagnose and treat a wide range of respiratory problems.

Your child may need diagnostic imaging or blood work to get to the bottom of their breathing problem and choose the best treatment. These services, including onsite labs, X-rays, CT scans, and EKG testing, are available at Prestige ER to ensure rapid treatment for your child.

For a wide range of 24/7 medical services near you, visit Prestige ER.