Asthma and Childhood

You might expect that childhood asthma would be easy to identify. You would probably expect to see your child gasping for breath, a dramatic symptom. Unfortunately it's not always that easy to spot - many of the symptoms are easy to mistake for other things like a cold or allergies.

Childhood allergies can be triggered by a number of factors - an allergic reaction, a chest cold or hay fever. These triggers can cause inflammation of the bronchial tubes and air passages through the lungs. Once the trigger sets it in motion, the symptoms and inflammation can last for quite some time - perhaps weeks.

Common symptoms of asthma in children includes coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath - and sometimes combinations of more than one. Because these symptoms can be related to other conditions, it can be especially hard to identify asthma in kids under 5 years old.

Some of the warning signs include:

1. Wheezing sounds while breathing, particularly when exhaling
   
   The sound can sometimes be loud enough to be heard from a ways away but it will be more obvious if you put your ear on the child's chest. Any squeaking or wheezing sound can be a sign of asthma and should be looked at by a doctor.


2. Coughing, particularly if the child doesn't have a cold
   
   Watch for coughing spells during or after exercise and after crying. Nighttime coughing is another symptom, especially if it is a rattly cough with little or no production.


3. Frequent respiratory illness
   
   Infants and children who have pneumonia, frequent chest colds or bouts of bronchitis may be suffering from "hidden asthma".


4. Shortness of Breath
   
   Kids don't normally realize when they are short of breath. If you notice them breathing rapidly and shallowly, if could be a sign. Other things that could indicate a child is finding it difficult to catch their breath include:
   
   
   • flaring their nostrils while breathing in
   • pursed lips while trying to take a breath
   • anxiousness or a scared look on their face
   • restlessness while sleeping
   • the spaces between their ribs deepen when breathing in

If you notice any of these symptoms in your children, you should consult with your doctor to get their informed opinion. If they feel it is necessary, they can send you for further tests to determine if asthma is in fact the problem, as well as the appropriate treatment such as asthma respirators or inhalers.