A child's airway health is vitally important. A healthy airway allows for vital oxygen
exchange, which is essential for various bodily functions and overall growth. Ensuring
the health of your child’s airway is paramount for adequate breathing, which impacts
everything from brain function to energy levels.
Common Pediatric Airway Issues
Some of the most common airway health issues that affect children include:
● Asthma: Asthma causes swelling and narrowing of the airways, making
breathing difficult. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of
breath.
● Allergies: Allergies can trigger asthma symptoms and inflame the airways.
Common allergy triggers include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold.
● Respiratory infections: Colds, flu, bronchiolitis, and other infections can cause
congestion, inflammation, and mucus production, obstructing airways.
● Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea causes the airway to collapse during
sleep, leading to snoring and breathing interruptions.
● Airway malformations: Congenital disabilities like a cleft palate, laryngomalacia,
or tracheomalacia can affect airway anatomy and function.
Recognizing the Signs of Pediatric Airway Problems
Watch for these common signs of potential airway health issues in children:
● Persistent cough, especially at night
● Wheezing or whistle-like breathing sounds
● Frequent colds that settle in the chest
● Shortness of breath during play or exercise
● Blueness around the lips or fingernails
● Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
● Difficulty breathing when eating or drinking
● Poor weight gain or failure to thrive
Take note if symptoms worsen with exercise, allergens, respiratory infections, or other
triggers at night. Seek medical advice promptly if you have concerns about changes in
your child's breathing.
Solutions for Improving Pediatric Airway Health
If your child is experiencing any airway health issues, these solutions can help:
● Medications: Bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, and antihistamines are
commonly prescribed to open airways, reduce inflammation, and prevent allergy
reactions.
● Nebulizer treatments: Delivering medication via nebulizer opens airways,
allowing deep penetration into the lungs.
● Allergen avoidance: Limiting exposure to known allergy triggers can prevent
inflammatory reactions.
● CPAP or BiPAP: Machines like CPAP or BiPAP keep airways open during sleep
for children with sleep apnea.
● Pulmonary rehabilitation: Therapies can teach breathing exercises and airway
clearance techniques.
Help Us Promote the Benefits of Airway Health
Join the Foundation for Airway Health’s mission to ensure everyone understands how
breathing impacts health and development. Your donation allows us to spread the word
about the importance of breathing for overall health, conduct valuable research, and
ensure access to care.
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