Childhood Asthma Symptoms

It's one of the most common illnesses in children, childhood asthma. Childhood and asthma is contributed as the the #1 reason for missed school, and it's estimated that 4 million people under the age of 18 suffer from or have had an asthma attack over the past year. Knowing childhood asthma symptoms is important part of understanding when you child should see a doctor about their condition. While some symptoms are quite obvious others are much more subtle and difficult to detect.

Wheezing

Probably the best known childhood asthma symptom, and is most noticeable when a child is breathing in and out. It can be severe or mild, and is caused by a mucus build up in the airways making it difficult to breath.

Coughing

This symptom of asthma is obvious, but it's possible that a child will never wheeze meaning that asthma doesn't have to be the cause. Some children will cough persistently especially late at night. A small number of asthmatic children will only cough, and show no other symptoms of having asthma. If your child coughs a lot after strenuous activity it could be a sign of asthma.

Frequent Respiratory Infections

While this is normally a sign to have your child to the doctor numerous time frequent difficult to treat respiratory infections is a prime symptom of childhood asthma. Even if you find your child consistently having cold like symptoms that won't go away. Respiratory infections will attack already weak lungs which in turn can cause further damage.

Inactivity or Being Lethargic

Children who used to be very active but now find themselves more lethargic may be doing so due to having shortness of breath and difficulty breathing when exerting themselves. If you find your child has had a drastic change in activity level this can be a symptom of childhood asthma.

Some children may exhibit all of these asthma symptoms or just one. While some symptoms will repeat themselves often, others rarely show their heads. It's a requirement of parents to be familiar with the symptoms of childhood asthma and watch for patterns. Knowing this will help you see an attack when it's coming on and be able to respond if required.

Keeping track of childhood asthma symptoms, and relaying the information to your family doctor can help you develop a plan to combat childhood asthma. For your doctor to have a better understanding of the frequency of symptoms he can better prescribe medications and treatments. Remember as children grow, it's not uncommon for symptoms to change and become less or more severe. Different treatment is usually required at different ages as we progress through childhood.