It’s important not to dismiss things like a simple cough or pains in the ear when a person, especially a child, is experiencing these. It may just be a symptom of more serious illnesses that need immediate medical attention.
Below are some respiratory problems that a pediatric pulmonologist can help you with.
1. Chronic coughs
People sometimes dismiss coughs as if it isn’t a big problem. However, when your coughing hasn’t stopped for eight weeks, then it may be a sign of chronic coughs.
Chronic coughs may be caused by other underlying respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. It’s important to bring your children to a pediatric pulmonologist as soon as you notice this problem in them since it might cause difficulty in breathing, as well as lead to other more serious complications such as bronchitis which they can easily avoid if you follow these 11 tips to avoid bronchitis in children.
2. Difficult breathing
Children are very active and they need to expend a lot of energy as part of growing up healthy through play or creative activities. This is why you should check if they are experiencing difficulties in breathing because it isn’t always as noticeable as a cough or cold.
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is a symptom of complications such as asthma, cardiovascular problems, and even COVID-19.
Contact your doctor immediately even if you just suspect that they are having difficulties in breathing.
3. Recurring pneumonia
Recurring or chronic pneumonia is caused by microorganisms or even fungi that cause disruption in the functioning of your respiratory system.
Non-stop cough in which a person expels thick mucus is a symptom of recurring pneumonia. If your child cannot take a deep breath without having to cough, then it may be a sign of recurring pneumonia so contact your doctor immediately.
4. Asthma
Asthma is a serious and common problem that involves wheezing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing which can significantly affect your children’s health. When left unattended, it can even lead to lung damage.
A whistling sound when your child is coughing is a sign of asthma. This frequency of coughing may also deter their growth as it might be disruptive to their sleep, which then, in turn, leads to fatigue thereby weakening their immune system.
Children who are dealing with asthma need a pediatric pulmonologist’s diagnosis so they can provide your child with the proper treatments and procedures.
In the time of COVID-19 which has been proven to affect the respiratory health of children, there is a need for parents like you to monitor if they are dealing with respiratory ailments.
Pediatric pulmonologists should be contacted immediately to avoid complications. When choosing a doctor for your children, research first about the doctor’s credentials and the hospital’s review before bringing your child to them.