Childhood Asthma Symptoms That Parents Should Not Ignore

Many parents may brush off their child’s week-long cough as just another cold symptom, but did you know that it could be the onset of asthma? If your child has been wheezing, coughing, or having difficulty breathing for many days, don’t take these signs of childhood asthma lightly.

Read the blog to learn more about typical symptoms of asthma in kids, what triggers them, and how to help your child breathe better. 

Understanding the Signs and Symptoms

Asthma isn’t always obvious. Some kids just cough a little at night, while others may wheeze or tire easily after play. Don’t forget to keep an eye on all these early signs.

As per StatPearls, the common signs and symptoms of childhood asthma include:

• Coughing frequently when trying to sleep at night or in the early morning
• Wheezing or having a whistling sound while breathing
• Gasping for breath during playtime or exercise
• Tightness in the chest
• Feeling tired too quickly

These symptoms can be mild or severe, affecting the airways in the lungs and leading to inflammation. Also note that infants with asthma symptoms may differ from those listed above. So, consult a doctor as early as possible for proper diagnosis.

Causes of Childhood Asthma

Well, the experts are still figuring out what actually causes it in kids. But so far, clinical studies have found that certain factors make children more prone to asthma development and flare-ups. These are:

• Family History: Kids with a family history of asthma or allergies are likely to have asthma or similar allergies.
• Environmental Triggers: Second-hand smoking, poor air quality, pet dander, or dust mites can worsen the symptoms.
• Respiratory Issues: Having colds or other viral infections can also irritate the respiratory pathways.
• Existing Allergies: Children with allergic rhinitis or eczema are more likely to develop asthma.

Childhood Asthma Diagnosis

Diagnosis of asthma in children can be challenging because symptoms overlap with those of other respiratory conditions. 

To be sure, the paediatrician usually evaluates the medical history, performs a physical exam, and may recommend breathing tests such as spirometry. These tests help assess lung function and support the precise diagnosis.

Types of Childhood Asthma

There are different types of asthma based on the triggers and symptom patterns, such as:

• Allergic asthma: It is triggered by allergens such as pollen or pet hair.
• Exercise-induced asthma: These symptoms occur when you experience shortness of breath during or after physical activity.
• Cough-variant asthma: It is characterised by a persistent cough without wheezing.
• Viral-induced asthma: It is caused by colds or respiratory infections.

By understanding the type of asthma your child has, you can pick the suitable childhood asthma treatment plan.

Managing Childhood Asthma

To provide your child some relief from asthma, you need to consider a combination of medications and lifestyle adjustments, along with awareness of triggers. Take a look:

1. Proper Medications: Using quick-relief inhalers and taking childhood asthma medications such as corticosteroids can help reduce airway inflammation and prevent symptoms.
2. Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding asthma triggers is also beneficial. This includes keeping your child’s surroundings dust-free and preventing exposure to tobacco smoke.
3. Developing an asthma action plan: Consult with your child’s doctor for a personalised action plan that outlines medication use, symptom monitoring, and emergency steps during an asthma attack.
4. Regular check-ups: Time-to-time routine medical visits are helpful in tracking your child’s lung function and ensuring that the treatment remains effective.

All of these measures are also crucial for childhood asthma prevention and reducing the severity of flare-ups.

To Sum Up

For parents, watching your child struggle to breathe can be scary, but help is available. Knowing the symptoms, avoiding triggers, and following the treatment plan help children breathe easier and stay active. So, don’t overlook early childhood asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, and consult a doctor for prompt management.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Childhood Asthma