Asthma is one of the most common chronic disorders among children throughout the world. Being a parent, early identification of symptoms of asthma in your child will bring a significant change to the quality of life of your child. Whether you are facing a sudden attack of breathing problems or wondering if a continuous cough by your child something is related to pediatric asthma, it is vital to know what to look for.
Now we shall review the common asthma symptoms in children, how asthma differs for young patients, and finally, if children are able to outgrow childhood asthma.
What Is Asthma and How Serious Is It?
Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs characterized by inflammation and constriction of the airways, which makes breathing difficult. Its severity can vary, with some people suffering from only occasional and mild symptoms, while others suffer from severe and even life-threatening attacks. Proper management is, therefore, important for children with asthma since symptoms of the disease, if left untreated, may result in compromised lung function later in life.
These include exacerbations from specific triggers such as pollen, dust mites, cold air, and physical activities. It is important to remind that asthma cannot be cured, but appropriate management will allow children with asthma to have normal, healthy lives. The key to all this is early identification and treatment.
How Is Asthma Different in Children?
Children’s asthma is more complicated than that of adults due to immune system and lung development. In many instances, symptoms may be much harder to identify, especially among very young children who are unable to explain their discomfort.
Asthma in children can take the form of a continuous cough, worst at night or following playing active games—the symptoms of wheezing that are usually associated with adult asthma are missing. Besides, symptoms come and go. Children under age five also tend to experience asthma attacks more frequently due to viral infections such as the common cold. The pediatric symptoms of asthma should, therefore, be known so that early treatment during the disease can be started, which reduces the permanent injury of the lungs and enhances quality of life.
What Are the Common Asthma Symptoms in Children?
- Frequent coughing: If your child has a persistent, dry cough that worsens at night or during physical activity, it could be a sign of asthma. This cough may be triggered by cold air, viral infections, or allergens.
- Wheezing: A whistling sound when breathing out, wheezing is one of the most common asthma symptoms. It occurs when the airways narrow, making it difficult for air to flow through.
- Shortness of breath: If your child frequently struggles to catch their breath or complains of tightness in the chest, it may be due to asthma. This is especially noticeable during or after exercise or exposure to allergens.
- Chest tightness: Children might describe their chest as feeling “tight” or as though it is hard to breathe. Younger kids might express discomfort by holding their chest or seeming restless.
- Fatigue: When breathing is labored, it can tire out the body quickly. If your child seems unusually tired or avoids physical activity, it could be due to undiagnosed asthma.
- Frequent respiratory infections: Children with undiagnosed asthma might experience frequent respiratory issues like bronchitis or pneumonia, as asthma weakens their ability to fight infections.
And one more thing that should be taken into notice is that sometimes symptoms may vary with the season and the environment, or it might be very mild at times. This variability makes it essential for parents to stay vigilant.
Does Childhood Asthma Go Away?
Many parents wonder whether their child will eventually “grow out” of asthma. Symptoms can lessen as some children get older, but asthma is generally considered a lifetime disease.
Some will have fewer symptoms or go into remission during their teenage years and then later witness the condition reappear when in adulthood. Other children may continue with persistent asthma well into their adult life, which will always need management. In some individuals, especially those suffering from severe asthma, it is a condition that lasts all their lives.
What is important is that even when the asthma of the child apparently gets better, symptom monitoring should not stop. Asthma may not actually disappear, and its proper management ensures that it does not return after some time in worse form.
Summing Up
Asthma is a common yet serious disease of children; however, with early detection and proper management, it doesn’t have to hold your child back. The key to proper care is to make sure that you recognize the symptoms of asthma in your child, which may include one or all of the following: an ongoing cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms of pediatric asthma in your child, please don’t wait a single second to get a professional medical opinion. With proper treatment, your child can live an active, healthy life without chronic discomforts. A health professional who is specialized in children’s asthma can design a personalized, customized treatment plan according to the condition and will help your child to start feeling better within a very short period.
Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California is committed to diagnosing and treating pediatric asthma to ensure that every child has the right tools to manage symptoms. We want to help your family breathe easier, confident that life can be fully lived without fear of the next asthma flare-up. If you’re ready to take the next step in your child’s journey with asthma care, we invite you to consult with us today. We’re here to help your child thrive!
