My 5 Year Old Daughter Seems To Have Labored Breathing

Posted on Sun, 8 Dec 2019

Question: My 5 year old daughter seems to have labored breathing at night and sometimes will wake up 2-3 times. at first i was thinking night terrors but now im wondering if it could be sleep apnea. ive also noticed the skin under her ribs sucking in when she inhales but was not sure if that was due to her snoring very loudly.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely due to upper airway obstruction

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for asking on this platform

I have gone through the query and do understand your concern.
Noisy breathing(snoring), retraction of chest with disturbed sleep all these suggest the possibilty of underlying upper airway obstruction.
Most common cause of upper airway obstruction is tonsillar enlargement. Other uncommon causes can also lead to upper airway obstruction.
Sometimes the tonsils enlarged upto an extent that may cause severe obstruction of airways even when child is awake.
I request you to consult a pediatrician immediately to find out if really there is upper airway obstruction due to tonsillar enlargemnent.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (15 hours later)

What should i tell her doctor as the reason to the visit? and will they be able to check for these things while shes awake?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
They will clinically examine to find out the cause

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for follow up

Don't worry. Just tell the symptoms to the doctor. They will clinically examine and it's easy to find out if there is tonsillar enlargement. It doesn't matter whether child is asleep or awake. They may also ask for some investigations if needed.

Wishing for all good health of your child
Please feel free to ask if you have any more doubts.
Regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng