Common Asthma Symptoms in Children: What Parents Need to Know
January 17, 2024
6 min read
Across the world, millions of children bear the burden of asthma, a chronic respiratory ailment. The World Health Organization's statistics reveal that around 262 million individuals are currently wrestling with the challenges of asthma.
Of these people, children are the most vulnerable. Environmental pollutants, allergies, and other factors can trigger asthma. Parents must be aware of the common asthma symptoms in children and learn how to manage them to keep their children safe and healthy.
What is Asthma and How Does It Affect Children?
Childhood asthma is an ongoing health issue where the tubes that carry air to the lungs become inflamed and restricted, making it hard to breathe. It can negatively impact routine activities such as playing, getting a good night's sleep, and going to school.
It can also lead to anxiety due to fear of an impending attack. The severity of asthma varies from child to child—while some may experience occasional mild symptoms, others may have severe and frequent attacks.
Common Asthma Symptoms in Children
The symptoms of asthma can vary from child to child, and they may also change over time. However, some common signs should alert parents:
1. Wheezing
Wheezing, a hallmark of childhood asthma, is often the most pronounced symptom. It manifests as a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing, typically more noticeable during exhalation.
The unique sound is produced due to the constricted air passages, which make air flow difficult. Depending on its severity, this wheezing noise can sometimes be heard even without the use of a stethoscope.
2. Coughing
Persistent coughing is another prominent indicator of childhood asthma. This cough can be either dry or productive, producing mucus. It often worsens at night or in the early morning and can be triggered by viral infections, exposure to allergens, or changes in temperature and humidity.
3. Shortness of Breath
Kids with asthma often feel like they can't catch their breath, especially when playing or around things that make their asthma worse, like allergens or irritants. This feeling of not getting enough air can be worrisome for both kids and parents.
It's crucial to know that this breathless feeling can range from a little uncomfortable to really hard to breathe, especially during a serious asthma attack.
4. Chest Tightness
A feeling of unease or constriction in the chest is a common companion to other asthma signs, making breathing difficult for children. It could be likened to a feeling of being squeezed or under pressure in the chest. This can be especially disconcerting for both the child and their caregivers.
5. Rapid Breathing
During asthma episodes, children may breathe more rapidly than usual as the body tries to compensate for reduced airflow and ensure sufficient oxygen intake. Rapid breathing, known as tachypnea, can be a sign of worsening asthma and should be closely monitored during asthma attacks.
Causes and Triggers of Childhood Asthma
Childhood asthma is a tricky condition, and it's probably caused by a mix of stuff in a kid's genes and the things around them.
- Genetics: A child is more likely to have asthma if they have family members with the condition, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
- Allergens: Asthma symptoms or attacks can be triggered when one is exposed to allergens, including pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites.
- Air Quality: Dirty air, irritants, pollutants, and exposure to secondhand smoke can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
- Respiratory Infections: Viral respiratory infections like colds or the flu can trigger an asthma attack. Any virus can cause an asthma flare, but the most frequent are those that cause the common cold.
- Physical Activity: Exercise, especially in cold, dry air, can trigger asthma symptoms in some children.
It's important to note that asthma triggers can vary from child to child, and symptoms can occur hours after exposure to a trigger. Therefore, it's crucial to identify and avoid known triggers as much as possible to manage the condition effectively.
How to Manage Your Child's Asthma at Home
Managing your child's asthma at home involves a combination of preventive strategies, medication management, and lifestyle changes. Here are some critical tips for effectively managing your child's asthma at home:
1. Understand the Asthma Action Plan
Collaborate closely with your child's healthcare provider to create a comprehensive asthma action plan. This plan outlines specific instructions for managing your child's asthma, including medication dosages, symptom monitoring, and steps to take during an asthma attack. Ensure you comprehend every aspect of the plan and keep it readily accessible for quick reference.
2. Educate Yourself and Your Child
A crucial aspect of managing asthma is educating both yourself and your child about the condition. Learn about asthma, its triggers, and the prescribed medications.
Make sure your child understands their asthma, the importance of medication adherence, and how to use inhalers or nebulizers correctly. Encourage questions and open dialogue to foster a clear understanding.
3. Medication Adherence
Consistently administer prescribed medications exactly as directed by the healthcare provider. Ensure your child takes their long-term control medications, even when they feel well, as these medications help maintain asthma control and prevent symptoms from worsening. Quick-relief medications should be readily available for immediate use during asthma attacks.
4. Proper Inhaler Technique
Proper inhaler technique is crucial for effective medication delivery. Teach your child how to use their inhaler correctly, including coordinating inhalation with medication release. Using a spacer device can improve drug deposition in the lungs, especially in younger children. Regularly check and clean the inhaler to ensure it functions correctly.
5. Identify and Avoid Triggers
Identifying and minimizing asthma triggers in your home is vital. Common culprits include allergens like dust mites and particles from pets, tobacco smoke, intense fragrances, and pollutants found indoors.
Employ measures to reduce exposure, such as using HEPA air purifiers, maintaining a clean and clutter-free living space, and eliminating known allergen sources.
6. Monitor Symptoms
Keep a vigilant eye on your child's asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Record the frequency and severity of these symptoms as part of your asthma action plan. Monitoring symptoms allows for early intervention and adjustment of treatment as needed.
7. Emergency Preparedness
Familiarize yourself with when to seek emergency medical care. Establish a list of emergency contacts, including your child's healthcare provider, local hospital, and nearby urgent care centers. Ensure you have access to quick-relief medications, such as albuterol inhalers or nebulizers, in case of an asthma attack.
8. Regular Check-ups
Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your child's healthcare provider to assess asthma control, adjust medications as needed, and address any concerns or questions you may have. Regular check-ups are crucial for maintaining optimal asthma management.
When to Seek Medical Help
Recognizing when to seek medical help for your child's asthma is crucial. While every child experiences asthma differently, some common symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention.
According to KidsHealth, if your child repeatedly uses quick-relief medicines (also known as rescue or fast-acting medicines) for severe flare-up symptoms that don't go away after 15–20 minutes, it warrants a visit to the emergency room.
Other early signs of an asthma flare-up include wheezing, persistent cough not due to a cold, tightness in the chest, and frequent throat clearing. If your child has to stop mid-sentence to take a breath, is using abdominal muscles to breathe, or has widened nostrils when breathing in, these are also signs of a severe asthma attack that requires immediate medical attention.
Moreover, if mild wheezing lasts more than 24 hours despite nebulizer or inhaler treatments, or if your child experiences sinus pain (not just congestion) or fever that lasts more than 3 days, you should contact your child's doctor within 24 hours.
Nurturing Respiratory Resilience
Asthma symptoms can be frustrating and scary for both parents and their children. However, by recognizing these symptoms, parents can actively control the condition, ensuring their children maintain good health and live regular lives.
If your child shows any of the symptoms mentioned, it's crucial to get medical help immediately. Staying alert and taking early action can aid your child in managing their asthma, allowing them to lead a joyful and healthy life.
