My child is breathing fast or coughing. Is it serious?
Fast breathing in a coughing child is the single most important warning sign of a lower chest infection or pneumonia. If your child's chest pulls in deeply under the ribs or they are breathing much faster than normal, see Paediatrician Dr. Bramhini Nareddy at Nareddy Care Hospitals in Tirupati immediately.
When to seek care
- Skin pulling in deeply between ribs or above collarbone with every breath (severe retractions)
- Blue, dusky, or pale gray color around lips, tongue, or fingertips
- Child grunting with every breath out or head bobbing with breathing
- Child too breathless to drink or speak
- Extreme exhaustion, lethargy, or unresponsiveness
- Breathing rate consistently faster than normal for age while calm and rested
- Persistent deep chest cough with high fever
- Whistling sound when breathing out (wheeze)
- Vomiting caused by coughing fits
- Nostrils flaring open with each breath
- Normal breathing rate when child is calm (not crying or running)
- Mild cough with runny nose, drinking fluids well
- Active and playful between coughing episodes
- No chest indrawing or grunting
Common possible causes
Frequently asked questions
What is considered 'fast breathing' in a child?
According to WHO guidelines: over 60 breaths/min for infants under 2 months; over 50 breaths/min for 2–12 months; and over 40 breaths/min for 1–5 years (counted when the child is calm and not crying).
Does fast breathing always mean pneumonia?
Fast breathing is a cardinal sign of pneumonia, but high fever itself can temporarily quicken breathing. If breathing remains fast even after fever drops, see a doctor urgently.
Can my child get nebulised at Nareddy Care?
Yes. Our day-care facility has medical nebulisers and oxygen support available daily until 10 pm.
Dr. Bramhini Nareddy
Paediatrician-Neonatologist · Open until 10 pm daily.