Breathing problems

What kind of breathing problems do children have, and what causes them?

Breathing problems are among the most common reasons children visit a paediatrician. They can range from mild, short-lived symptoms to chronic conditions that require ongoing care.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways are sensitive and inflamed. This can lead to:

Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing out)
Persistent or recurrent coughing (often at night or with exercise)
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness

Causes and triggers include:

Viral infections
Allergens (dust mites, pollen, pets)
Exercise
Cold air
Environmental factors (smoke, pollution)

Asthma often occurs in children with an allergic tendency (eczema, hay fever).

Wheezy Episodes in Infants and Young Children

Wheezing is very common in babies and young children, especially under 5 years of age.
In many cases, these episodes are linked to viral infections rather than true asthma.

Typical features:

Wheezing during colds
Rapid or difficult breathing
Coughing
Often complete recovery between episodes

Causes and triggers include:

Viral infections (e.g. bronchiolitis)
Small, developing airways
Temporary airway sensitivity

Most children outgrow these symptoms as their lungs mature. A small percentage go on to become asthmatics.

What are the standard treatments offered by doctors?

Asthma – Standard Treatment

The main goal is to control inflammation and prevent symptoms.

Treatment typically includes:

Reliever medication (bronchodilators)
Quickly opens the airways (e.g. salbutamol inhaler)
Preventer medication (anti-inflammatories)
Inhaled steroids reduce airway inflammation over time or mast cell stabilizers
Spacer devices
Help deliver medication effectively, especially in young children
Trigger management
Avoiding allergens and irritants
Monitoring and action plans
Clear guidance for parents on how to respond to symptoms

With proper treatment, most children can live fully active, healthy lives.

Wheezing in Infants – Standard Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity and frequency of symptoms.

Common approaches:

Observation and reassurance (most episodes are mild and self-limiting)
Short courses of bronchodilators in selected cases
Supportive care including fluids, nasal saline sprays and rest
In more severe cases admission to hospital for:
- Oxygen therapy
- Monitoring of breathing and feeding via feeding tubes

Preventive asthma medication is not routinely used in all infants, but may be considered in recurrent or severe cases.

How does the Clinic for Children treat breathing problems in children?

At the Clinic for Children, we combine evidence-based paediatric care with a personalised, integrative approach. Standard asthma treatment remains the foundation of care.

Integrative approaches with shared decision making with parents may provide additional symptom support and improve well-being.

Asthma Treatment at Our Clinic

Thorough assessment of triggers, lifestyle, and environment
Individualised treatment plans based on symptom patterns
Use of standard inhalation therapy and anti-inflammatory medication when indicated
Careful monitoring to minimise medication while maintaining control
Education for parents and children to build confidence and independence
Referral for respiratory function tests when indicated
For more complex cases children will be referred to specialised paediatric pulmonologists at surrounding hospitals.

Where appropriate, we may also explore supportive measures such as:

Optimising nutrition and immune resilience
Addressing environmental factors (air quality, allergens)
Supporting overall wellbeing

Wheezy Episodes in Young Children

Careful distinction between viral wheeze and early asthma
Focus on reassurance and avoiding unnecessary medication
Close follow-up to monitor patterns over time

When needed:

Short-term inhalation or oral anti-inflammatory therapy
Guidance on managing episodes at home
Clear safety advice on when to seek urgent care

Looking for an integrative paediatrician and classical homeopath near The Hague or Wassenaar?

We have over 22 years of experience in paediatric care and expertise in guiding expat families in the Netherlands. Call us to make an appointment or ask any questions — in both English and Dutch.

Call +31 (0)70 517 0890Call +31 (0)70 517 0890

Studies and updates of interest for further reading on common breathing problems

Integrative Care in Childhood Asthma and Wheeze

A number of complementary approaches have been studied as supportive care in children with asthma and recurrent wheeze. These approaches are best used alongside standard medical treatment.

Vitamin D and Asthma

• Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased asthma exacerbations.
• Supplementation has been shown to reduce severe asthma attacks in children.

Here is a link to an article related to this topic:
Publication 1

Probiotics and the Gut–Lung Axis

• Early microbiome development plays a role in immune regulation and asthma risk.
• Evidence suggests probiotics may reduce respiratory infections, though effects on asthma are still inconclusive.

Here is a link to an article related to this topic:
Publication 1

Homeopathy

• Some observational studies report improvements in symptom burden and reduced infection frequency.
• Systematic reviews conclude that evidence is mixed and limited in quality.

Here are links to articles related to this topic:
Publication 1
Publication 2