Entry # 10 Kids and breathing

I wanted to put a PSA out about pediatrics and respiratory issues since we’re in the influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV season. Let me start with a quick disclaimer, I am not a pediatric physician and have no specialty training with pediatric pulmonology. That being said, I do work in the EMS industry and see a wide range of kids, some sicker than others. As a parent I often find myself teetering on the edge of taking my kid to the hospital or keeping them at home and monitoring them. Just know that this is normal. If you are concerned that your child is not breathing normally, super fast and shallow or super slow, just take them in. My reasoning behind that is pretty simple and based on scientific research. The cause of pediatric cardiac arrests are generally respiratory in nature. Kids typically have healthy hearts, so dysrhythmias and heart attacks aren’t usually an issue. What happens is that they “belly breath” and use every little muscle in between their ribs to help create negative pressure in their lungs, which causes air to rush in. They will do this until the muscles tire out and then they just stop. This lack of oxygen intake can and will cause their hearts to stop. 


When I see a sick kid for the first time, the first thing I do is look at their bare chest to evaluate how hard they are working to breath. If I can see the skin in between their ribs sink in a lot when they inhale as well as their stomach, then I know it’s time to get them oxygen and get going to the hospital. Without even knowing the etiology (cause) I know they will likely need some sort of ventilatory assistance soon if left untreated.


With RSV and the flu what I’m worried about is the increased mucus production. Because young kids are obligate nose breathers, any increase in mucus will greatly reduce the amount of oxygen getting to their lungs. Clearing their nasal passages is of the utmost importance when dealing with these sick kids. There is a device called “The Nose Frida” which is a must have for any parent. This one device can be the difference between going to the hospital and staying home. As long as the nasal passages can stay clear, the child typically can tough the sickness out. Humidified air also will make a huge difference, so If you have a sick kid, keep a humidifier going 24/7.


The last thing I wanted to say is that if you notice your sick kid becoming sleepy when they normally should be awake or if your kid’s hands, lips and/or feet start to turn purple or blue, call 911. This is a late sign that they are not getting the oxygen they need and without immediate intervention, their hearts stand a good chance of stopping. Stay safe this holiday season and get your littles flu vaccines, it may save their live.

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