If you have a child with asthma, identifying the symptoms of an asthma attack is important. You should understand the asthma treatment plan your doctor has ordered for your child and when and how to use emergency inhalers or nebulizers. Asthma that is unmanaged can develop into a life-threatening situation for your child.
Wheezing
In children with asthma, you sometimes will hear a wheezing sound when they are breathing. This also may sound like a whistling or purring sound. You might hear it when they are at rest, while they are playing or when they are having a full-blown attack. Wheezing occurs because of the narrowing of the airways of the lung. This is often a telltale sign that your child is not breathing properly.
Difficulty Breathing and Shortness of Breath
You may observe that your child is breathing heavier and taking rapid, shallow breaths. She might not be able to resume playing after strenuous activity like running and might seem like she cannot catch her breath. Sometimes, children do not know how to express how they are feeling and she might report that she just does not feel well.
Tightness in Chest and Coughing
Your child might tell you that her chest hurts if she is having an asthma attack. She also might have a dry cough, especially at night. Sometimes, she might feel a dry throat or a tickle in her throat that is not going away. These symptoms can mimic other problems like a respiratory infection, so it is important that your child is evaluated by her doctor to identify the cause so that it can be treated.
Emergency Symptoms
Asthma can develop into an emergency situation within minutes. Symptoms that constitute an emergency include the following: bluish color in the lips or face, altered level of consciousness, rapid pulse and severe anxiety and decreased alertness. If your child is having any of these symptoms, call 911 and administer emergency medication as your doctor has ordered.
