Asthma is a chronic condition that causes airways to swell. Nearly nine million children in America have asthma, according to Medline Plus. A child's airways are smaller than an adult's, making asthma in children more severe. Results of asthma flare-ups include difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing and tightness in the chest. Factors that induce attacks are allergens, changes in weather, illness and exercise.
Difficulty Breathing
With ordinary breathing, air is pulled in and pushed out of the lungs through the bronchial tubes. This action is normally effortless. However, children with asthma experience swelling in the airways, which leaves little room for air to flow through the bronchial tubes, making breathing difficult. In addition, when asthma flares up, the lungs excrete sticky mucus, which may further clog the airways. In the case of an asthma attack, rescue medication, such as an inhaler, may be needed to open the airways and stop the attack. Without medication, an asthmatic episode can last for hours.
Coughing and Wheezing
Coughing and wheezing are often apparent when the airways become irritated. An infection, cold or other illness may exacerbate asthma in children. In addition, pet dander, mold, pollen, smoke and air pollution may cause coughing and wheezing. Physical exertion, such as during exercise, can result in an asthma flare-up, triggering coughing and wheezing. Keeping your child away from pets and other potential triggers may help reduce these symptoms. For substances that cannot be avoided, asthma prevention medication may be needed. Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common long-term control medications proven to work best among children, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Tightness in the Chest
Tightness in the chest is another side effect of asthma, occurring when the muscles in the chest area constrict. A child's chest may feel heavy, causing pain with breathing. A fast-acting bronchodilator (given through an inhaler or nebulizer) may help loosen the tightened muscles around inflamed airways.
