Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of children globally. It is characterized by inflammation, swelling, and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe.
It may begin at any age and can be life-threatening if not managed well. Asthma can affect children’s quality of life, sleeping patterns, and physical activities. Therefore, as a parent or caregiver, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of asthma to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
In this article, we’ll discuss the common signs and symptoms of asthma that you should lookout.
Common Signs and Symptoms
There are several signs and symptoms that present in children with asthma. While not all children may experience the same symptoms, it’s essential to be aware of the common ones so that you can seek medical intervention early enough.
Here are some common signs and symptoms to watch out for:.
1. Wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that is heard when a child exhales. It is a common symptom of asthma and happens when airflows through narrowed airways. Wheezing may be loud or soft and may sometimes be heard even without a stethoscope.
2. Coughing
Another common symptom of childhood asthma is coughing, which may be persistent or intermittent. It may present as a dry or wet cough and may worsen at night or early in the morning.
Some children may cough more after physical activity or exposure to triggers such as smoke, dust, or pollen.
3. Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
Children with asthma may have difficulty breathing or feel short of breath. They may also breathe rapidly or pant. This happens when the airways are narrowed, and the child is not getting enough oxygen.
Shortness of breath may be worsened by physical activity, exposure to allergens, or changes in weather conditions.
4. Chest tightness or discomfort
Some children with asthma may experience chest tightness or discomfort, which may feel like a squeezing sensation. This happens when the muscles around the airways constrict, making it hard for the child to breathe.
Chest tightness or discomfort may occur after exposure to triggers such as cold air, exercise, or allergens.
Related Article
How to Detect Asthma in Children
5. Difficulty sleeping
Asthma may affect a child’s ability to get quality sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and poor academic performance.
Children with asthma may wake up at night coughing or wheezing, and may experience more severe symptoms during sleep than during the day.
6. Fatigue or lethargy
Fatigue or lethargy is another common symptom of childhood asthma. It may be caused by difficulty breathing or sleep disturbances. Children with asthma may have reduced physical activities, leading to a sedentary lifestyle and reduced energy levels.
7. Allergic reactions
Some children with asthma may develop allergic reactions to triggers such as pollen, dust, or animal dander. These allergic reactions may present as runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, or hives.
Allergic reactions may be severe and may require emergency medical care.
8. Increased mucus production
Children with asthma may produce more mucus than usual, which may be thick and sticky. Mucus production may be caused by inflammation and swelling of the airways and may lead to chest congestion and difficulty breathing.
Increased mucus production may be worsened by exposure to smoke, pollution, or allergens.
9. Reduced physical activity
Children with asthma may avoid physical activities such as sports and games due to difficulty breathing or fear of triggering symptoms. Reduced physical activity may lead to poor physical fitness, obesity, and other health complications.
10. Anxiety or distress
Children with asthma may experience anxiety or distress due to the fear of not being able to breathe. Anxiety or distress may worsen symptoms and may lead to further physical and emotional complications.
Conclusion
Understanding the signs and symptoms of asthma is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. If you notice any of the above symptoms in your child, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Early intervention can help manage symptoms and improve your child’s quality of life. It’s also crucial to work with your child’s healthcare provider to come up with a treatment plan that suits your child’s needs and lifestyle.
