Top 5 Signs of Asthma in Children

07 Aug Top 5 Signs of Asthma in Children

Asthma is one of the most common, and unfortunately the most difficult condition to impact children today. Childhood asthma occurs when the lungs and the airways in the body are easily inflamed when exposed to certain outside triggers. This can make breathing extremely difficult and can interfere with any child’s quality of life, school, sports performance or sleep.

These asthmas triggers can range from pollen to respiratory infections, and if asthma isn’t managed properly it can lead to serious and dangerous asthma attacks. Asthma has become so common in children it is the leading cause of emergency room visits, missed school, and hospitalizations in adolescents. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma, but there are ways to manage this condition. This is why as a parent, it is important to be on the lookout for some of the common signs and symptoms of childhood asthma.

Here are the five most common indicators that your child may have asthma.

1. Frequent, intermittent coughing. Typically, this coughing has a whistling or wheezing sound, particularly when exhaling. In young children, reoccurring wheezing is typically triggered by a respiratory virus. In older children, it is most common that children have respiratory allergies that trigger this wheezing.
2. Shortness of breath. If your child is trying to do everyday activities such as playing outside, participating in gym class or going up the stairs and struggles with shortness of breath—it may be a sign of asthma.
3. Frequent chest pain and congestion. If a child is exhibiting frequent chest congestion, pain or tightness, this may be a sign that they are struggling with asthma. While chest congestion can be a sign of a cold, if this symptom persists, it is more likely that your child has asthma.
4. Fatigue or trouble sleeping. There are many children with undiagnosed asthma who struggle to sleep every night. Typically, this has to do with their shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing while they are laying down and trying to sleep.
5. Slow recovery with respiratory infections. If your child struggles to recover from bronchitis or respiratory infections, then asthma may be to blame. Many children with asthma exhibit worse symptoms when they have a cold or the flu as this can trigger their asthma even more.

If you notice some or all of these signs and symptoms, it is important that you get your child to a medical doctor right away for an official diagnosis. It is best that your child sees a doctor as soon as possible so they can get the help they need to control the asthma symptoms that may be interfering with their everyday lives. The experts here at Continuum Pediatrics can help. To schedule your child’s visit with Continuum Pediatrics, give us a call at 817-617-8600.