What causes shortness of breath in children when they cry?

Apr 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

A child's difficulty catching breath while crying may be caused by physiological factors, or it may result from pathological conditions such as breath-holding spells or bronchitis. It could also be due to heightened emotional excitement leading to transient hyperventilation from cerebral hypoxia, which is considered a normal physiological phenomenon and usually improves spontaneously once the child's emotions stabilize. Additionally, it could be caused by congenital heart disease.

When a child cries and experiences shortness of breath, it may be caused by physiological factors, or it could be due to pathological factors such as breath-holding spells or bronchitis.

I. Physiological Factors

This may occur due to emotional excitement, causing transient hyperventilation due to cerebral hypoxia. It is a normal physiological phenomenon and usually improves spontaneously once the child's emotions stabilize.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Breath-Holding Spells

This may occur following cerebral hypoxia, causing breath-holding spells in children. The child may only exhale and be unable to inhale, leading to prolonged breath-holding. Generally, breathing will gradually return to normal after the child starts crying aloud. Prompt emotional reassurance for the child is recommended.

2. Bronchitis

Bronchitis may be caused by bacterial infection, with bacteria irritating the respiratory mucosa and causing airway spasms. Treatment may include medications such as amoxicillin granules, cephalexin granules, or roxithromycin granules, as directed by a physician.

In addition, it could also be caused by congenital heart disease. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, confirm the diagnosis, and undergo targeted treatment accordingly.

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