QUESTION & ANSWER
Q: Why does my child take alot of deep breaths?

A:

There are several causes for unusual breathing in children, including infections, allergies, asthma and anxiety. There is also a harmless condition called sigh syndrome. If your child keeps taking deep breaths and it is causing concern, contact your pediatrician. Seek care (call 911) right away for difficulty breathing, or if unusual breathing is accompanied by skin reactions, such as hives, swelling in the lips or tongue, nausea, or vomiting.

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  1. Anxiety Disorders. Nemours Foundation. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/anxiety-disorders.html
  2. Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger. University of Michigan. https://www.mottchildren.org/health-library/rsp10
  3. Sody AN, Kiderman A, Biton A, Furst A. Sigh syndrome: is it a sign of trouble?. J Fam Pract. 2008;57(1):E1-E5.
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