6 Common Symptoms of Childhood Asthma

6 Common Symptoms of Childhood Asthma

If they’re wheezing and you’re not sure if it’s a simple cold or not, get it checked out.

This week marks Respiratory Care Week across the U.S. Most of us take smooth breathing for granted but it’s a fact that about 25 million people living in the U.S, or 8% of the population, currently live with asthma.

It can take many forms and if you’re already been diagnosed with asthma, you know what your symptoms are and what to be on the lookout for. They could include anything from coughing and wheezing to trouble sleeping or other physical troubles.

Related: Breastfeeding May Almost Halve the Risk of Asthma Complications Later in Life

In adults, asthma can be easier to detect, as we can often communicate clearly with professionals to pinpoint our medical troubles and tell them what’s wrong. With young children, however, it may be different. The symptoms of asthma are the same but children don’t always tell us in a straightforward way what’s wrong with their body as they don’t know, or perhaps don’t have the vocabulary to convey what they feel. You want to catch asthma if it’s there, in order to treat it and help your child avoid a medical emergency.

Here are some signs the Mayo Clinic says to look for, when considering childhood asthma:

1) Your Child Has to Stop Mid-Sentence to Catch Their Breath

If your child has to stop to breath mid-sentence, it’s time to take them to the emergency room, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can be an indication that they’re not getting enough air into their system and are struggling with asthmatic symptoms.

Related: Here’s Why Females Are Twice as Likely to Have Asthma

2) They Complain of a Tight Chest

 

You definitely want to see a doctor whenever there’s a complaint about a tight chest. It could indicate trouble breathing and it should be addressed.

3) They Cough When Exercising

Does your child cough after running around? If they aren’t suffering from a cold, it could be a warning sign that something else is going on. Talk to your doctor about the possibilities of asthma in order to get safe treatment.

4) Their Short of Breath

If your child is short of breath without any natural cause such as exercising, seek medical help.

5) It Sounds Wheezy When They Exhale

Hear the sound of congestion when your son or daughter exhales? It could be a cold, or it could be asthma. Seek a professional opinion.

Related: Thunderstorm Asthma: This is What it Really Is and How to Protect Yourself

6) Trouble Sleeping

Every child has trouble sleeping now and then, but consistent problems could indicate they’re having trouble breathing when they’re asleep.

Just as adults can suffer from breathing conditions that affect sleeping patterns, like sleep apnea, children’s breathing can also play a role in sleep quality.

As with any medical condition, talk to your doctor and seek professional help if you suspect something is wrong. You don’t want to be left guessing. For more information on childhood asthma, click here.

Photo credits: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com; Ilike/Shutterstock.com

 

Facebook Comments