4 year old and shortness of breath

[Quornish]

For the past month my daughter has been short of breath. She seems sometimes like she is ‘gasping’ for air, but ‘gasping’ makes it sound more extreme than it is, it’s the only word I can think to describe it. Shortness of breathe maybe. The last day or so it is becoming more regular. No temperature or other signs of anything covid related, she had a dodgy tummy twice a day for two weeks and stomach pains but that has now stopped as of about 5 days ago. I will ring the GP on Monday but my worry if they want to see us is her extreme reaction to doctors, no reason behind it, just extremely anxious. If they want to see her I just cannot see how they could assess her as all she does is hide and become so distressed. I know this absolutely is not a reason not to go but not sure how to handle this.

[Indecisivelurcher]

Could you video it and ask to email it to the doctor or go on your own to show them?

[flibbertmygibbert]

I’m following this because my 4 year old is exactly the same. Often seems very short of breath just sitting still. She is extremely active and healthy. I’m wondering if it’s asthma/hay fever.

[flibbertmygibbert]

And mines been like it for months. And not as a result of an illness or anything.

[Quornish]

Funnily enough I have just been sitting here videoing her. I did wonder about asthma but she has never had it before but I guess it can just start.

@flibbertmygibbert has covid crossed your mind? I’m not worrying I am missing something and it’s her heart.

[Mumdiva99]

I am not medically trained. But I know of 2 people with seasonal asthma due to pollen allergies. (So a bit like hayfever but it gives them asthma). Could it be that?

[Kidssendingmenuts]

My son does this but it's a nervous tic, it comes and goes every few months with others in between. It's annoying but I try not to bring it up with him and it does go away. It usually happens when there has been a change such as new classes at school or starting school.
It's like a gasping then normal breathing and the same again after a few minutes. Definitely get checked anyway by the gp so they can check their chest though.

[Xiaoxiong]

I do this and so does DS1 - when we're absorbed in something, we both hold our breath and then gasp for air. I didn't even realise I did it until DH commented about DS1 doing the same thing I do.

[flibbertmygibbert]

@Quornish Covid crossed my mind initially, but then when I really sat and thought about it I’ve mentioned several times in the past that she seemed short of breath. Then it all gets forgotten again until the next time I notice. I did have a quick panic about her heart and decided not to google! I’ve decided to keep an eye for now. She doesn’t even notice. If it keeps going after hayfever season I will take her to the docs. I find it hard to video because she has to be in a relaxed state for it to be noticeable. And as soon as she sees me videoing she talks and jumps about!

[MrsLJ2014]

Worth Getting checked as my child was diagnosed with a heart murmur - he has been discharged now as it is innocent but I was told to go back if he was ever out of breath.
Think videoing is good but they will also want to listen to her heart.

[myfurloughedfriend]

My DD, older at 14, is very fit, plays sport to a high level and has been training throughout lockdown (on her own and now in small groups). She has had the same thing in past 3 weeks.

She's used to exercising and is doing her normal routine, but about twice a week, always outside never inside on the treadmill, she says she can't get enough breath and her chest hurts.

We thought it might my asthma / hay fever related but has been given an inhaler in case it happens again and will be seeing the doctor next week, but it sounds very similar to PPs.

No other symptoms at all never had hay fever before, just really unusual for her, but the timing makes me wonder if hay fever has triggered something.