Asthma is an obstructive respiratory condition that makes it hard for children to breathe. It's difficult to diagnose in young children and requires several stages of evaluation from your child's doctor to be sure. However, it can start in infancy, and most children who have it show signs before they turn five. The sooner it's detected, the sooner treatment can begin, so you'll want to keep an eye out for the symptoms.
Chronic or Recurring Cough or Wheezing
Wheezing is a raspy or whistling noise that you can hear when your child takes a breath in or out. When you hear your child wheezing or coughing often -- especially if it gets worse at night, in the early morning hours, in cold air, or when in contact with an allergen like pollen or smoke--that could be a sign of asthma. You may notice that your child limits physical activity because it causes him to wheeze or cough, or it could be that he has less stamina when playing than his peers. When asthma is accompanied by an infection, your child could also have a runny nose or fever.
Shortness of Breath
During an asthma attack, a child's airways get inflamed, and often secretes mucous, both of which cause their airways to get smaller. This is turn causes a shortness of breath, or an inability to breathe as easily as before. To compensate, your child will try to breathe a higher volume of air to keep it flowing to her lungs.
Flaring Nostrils
Because his airways are restricted, you may notice that your child's nostrils flare when he breathes in. This is one symptom of asthma that is more noticeable in children than adults.
Chest Tightness or Pain
Chest tightness is a more subtle sign of asthma and may not be one that your child can readily identify. She will probably point out if her chest hurts, but you can ask if her chest feels tight after noticing some of the more obvious symptoms.
Interrupted Talking
When your child finds it difficult to breathe, he will also find it difficult to talk. When you notice him stopping in the middle of telling you something, it could indicate that he's having problems catching his breath enough to continue speaking.
Tired, Restless or Anxious Feelings
When your child is tired, restless, or is abnormally anxious or fearful, it could be related to asthma. It's scary to not be able to breathe, and often asthma gets worse at night or when lying down, which could adversely affect your child's sleeping patterns.
Hyperinflation
When your child bends forward, has hunched shoulders while standing or sitting, or prefers not to lie down, it could indicate hyperinflation of the lungs. This occurs when air remains trapped in the lung's small airways after breathing out and often accompanies asthma.
Bluish Tint
In very severe cases of asthma, a child can develop bluish skin on her fingers and around her lips.
