Wheezing and noisy breathing can be some of the most worrying symptoms to hear in your baby, but they aren’t usually a sign of anything serious. It is important to see a doctor for wheezing baby treatment if the symptoms are severe or they last a long time, but the most likely cause is a simple viral infection that can be treated at home.

Common Causes of Wheezing in Babies

Although wheezing can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition such as asthma or an allergy, in most cases it is caused by a simple viral infection. Babies tend to get a lot of coughs and colds, particularly in the winter months. Two of the most common culprits are bronchiolitis and croup, both of which can cause wheezing alongside other cold-like symptoms. Since these are viral infections that can’t be treated with antibiotics and will usually clear up by themselves, your doctor won’t be able to provide much in the way of wheezing baby treatment. The doctor will usually only be able to confirm what is wrong and advise you on how to take care of your baby at home.

How to Treat Wheezing in Babies

When the symptoms are caused by viral infections such as bronchiolitis, the best approach to wheezing baby treatment is the same as for a normal cold or the flu. Although there is no treatment that can make the infection pass more quickly, you can help your baby to feel more comfortable as they recover:

• Keep your baby warm and make sure they’re getting plenty of rest
• Give lots of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Use a bulb syringe or saline drops to clear the nostrils if they’re blocked
• Give children’s painkillers to ease symptoms such as fever if necessary, as long as your baby is old enough to take this medication