Pediatric Asthma: Signs and Symptoms of Asthma During Childhood
Symptoms of Pediatric Asthma
Asthma is a hyperactive response of the respiratory system, most commonly due to environmental triggers such as allergens or cold air. The bronchial tubes become inflamed and the muscles around them tighten. This causes a narrowing of the airways, which makes breathing difficult. In addition, the body increases production of mucus, further blocking natural airflow. All of this leads to the most common symptoms of childhood asthma:
- Wheezing
- Chronic cough, which may appear or worsen at night
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Tightness in the chest, something a young child might describe as "my chest feels funny."
Other Signs of Pediatric Asthma
- Coughing while laughing, crying, playing or when exposed to cold air
- Less energy than other children while playing
- Delayed return to normal breathing after running or other hard play
- Trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath or coughing
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Frequent complaints of headaches
- Colds, flu or other respiratory infections become more severe or hang on longer than normally expected
When to Seek Emergency Treatment for Pediatric Asthma
Signs of a serious childhood asthma attack that requires immediate medical attention include:
- Shallow breathing
- Severe coughing or wheezing
- Cannot finish a single sentence without needing to stop for a breath
- Using abdominal muscles to breathe
- Nostrils flare while inhaling
- Abdominal muscles appear sucked up under the ribcage and/or neck muscles have tightened
- Face and lips have a bluish tint
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Anxiety due to shortness of breath
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Fading consciousness
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Sources:
Mayo Clinic:
Childhood Asthma
Childhood Asthma - Symptoms
University of Maryland Medical Center:
Asthma - Pediatric - Symptom
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America:
Childhood Asthma
New York Times Health Guide
Pediatric Asthma Symptoms
Published by Amanda C. Strosahl
Born and raised on the banks of the Mississippi river, Amanda moved to the Greater Indianapolis area in 1994, where she worked alongside her husband in the newspaper industry until 2008. She now works as a f... View profile
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