Q: My 6-year-old has a sleeping heart rate of 110-115 bpm with sinusitis. Should I be worried?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My child just turned 6 years old. Before going to bed, they mentioned feeling a bit short of breath. I checked their heart rate while they were sleeping, and it was around 110-115 bpm. Is this a number I shouldn't worry about? For reference, there is no fever, and they are currently taking antibiotics and cold medicine (without bronchodilators) for sinusitis.

Answer:

Hello. I understand you must be worried about your child feeling short of breath before bed and having an elevated heart rate.

The normal sleeping heart rate for a 6-year-old child is typically 65 to 100 beats per minute. A rate of 110-115 is slightly high, but considering the current situation, there are a few factors at play:

• Nasal congestion from sinusitis: This often leads to mouth breathing, which can cause the heart rate to temporarily rise.

• Fighting an infection: Since your child is on antibiotics, their body is actively fighting off an illness, which naturally increases the heart rate.

• No fever: The fact that your child does not have a fever is a very positive sign.

Please closely observe your child at home for the following:

1. Are they continuing to struggle to breathe?

2. Is the color of their lips and fingernails normal (pink, not pale or bluish)?

3. Are they complaining of any chest pain?

When to seek further medical care:

• Visit your pediatrician if: The shortness of breath continues while they are awake, they get easily exhausted during normal play or exercise, or they complain of their heart pounding/fluttering.

• Go to the emergency room immediately if: They are having severe difficulty breathing, their lips turn blue, or they show a decreased level of consciousness or severe lethargy.

In most cases, these symptoms will improve as the sinusitis gets better. However, if the elevated heart rate or shortness of breath persists even after the sinus infection is fully treated, please consult your pediatrician for a thorough evaluation, which may include a heart check.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

Apple App Store

Google Play

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