Wheezing (Other Than Asthma)

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. Clinical content review provided by Senior Reviewer and Healthpoint Medical Network.
Last Review Date: 8/1/2011
Last Revised: 8/1/2011 12:34:28 PM
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Version: 2012
Copyright 1994-2012 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

1. Warm Fluids for Coughing Spasms: For any bouts of severe coughing, offer warm apple juice or lemonade if over 4 months old. (Reason: These can relax the airway and loosen up sticky secretions). Do not give any cough medicine.
2. Nasal Washes To Open a Blocked Nose:
• Use saline nose drops or spray to loosen up the dried mucus. If not available, can use warm tap water.
• STEP 1: Instill 3 drops per nostril. (Age under 1 year, use 1 drop and do one side at a time)
• STEP 2: Blow (or suction) each nostril separately, while closing off the other nostril. Then do other side.
• STEP 3: Repeat nose drops and blowing (or suctioning) until the discharge is clear.
• Frequency: Do nasal washes whenever your child can't breathe through the nose.
• Saline nasal sprays can be purchased without a prescription.
• Saline nose drops can also be made: Add 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) of table salt to 1 cup (8 ounces or 240 ml) of warm water.
• Reason for nose drops: suction or nose blowing alone can't remove dried or sticky mucus.
• Another option: use a warm shower to loosen mucus. Breathe in the moist air, then blow each nostril.
• For young children, can also use a wet cotton swab to remove sticky mucus.
• Importance for a young infant: can't nurse or drink from a bottle unless the nose is open.
3. Humidifier: If the air is dry in your home, run a humidifier.
4. Smaller Feedings: Encourage small, frequent feedings whenever your child has the energy to drink. (Reason: Child with wheezing doesn't have enough energy for long feedings).
5. Avoid Tobacco Smoke: Active or passive smoking makes coughs much worse.
6. Contagiousness: Your child can return to child care after the wheezing and fever are gone.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
• Breathing becomes difficult, tight or loud
• Wheezing becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

To find a pediatrician, click here.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.