Spotting The Symptoms of Asthma in Children 

Asthma is an incurable but manageable condition that often begins in early childhood. It is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms such as coughing, lack of energy and shortness of breath that can easily become confused with other conditions, including circulatory disorders and allergies. It is important to identify the symptoms of suspected asthma as early as possible to establish related causes and to provide relief through appropriate treatment.  

How to Identify an Asthma Attack in Children 

A severe or persistent cough is often the only symptom of asthma, yet all children occasionally suffer from coughs, usually as a result of colds. It is easier to identify the type of cough associated with asthma by understanding how the condition affects the respiratory airways. During an asthma attack, the bronchial tubes suddenly become inflamed and swell towards their centres. The air passages can become extremely narrow with additional mucus secretions blocking the slender gap. In the early stages of asthma, a child might frequently cough in an instinctive attempt to clear the bronchial tubes. If the airways become severely restricted a child can experience a frightening ordeal while desperately wheezing in the struggle to draw breath. 

A Wide Range of Symptoms 

Although a cough is likely to be the most noticeable symptom, there are several other warning signs that a child may be suffering from asthma. A general tendency to appear short of breath can be an indication that the airways are not always clear and are resulting in a restricted flow of air. When the body is unable to obtain an adequate supply of oxygen, the circulation becomes inefficient, resulting in a blue tinge to the lips or fingers. A child may complain of feeling cold even when the temperature is warm. A lack of oxygen can also result in a child experiencing a lack of energy while playing, walking or even following sedentary pursuits. There is likely to be an uncomfortable sensation in the chest cavity due to the inflammation of the bronchial passageways. This may cause a child to occasionally rub the area, move the shoulders or try to change position when breathing normally or trying to take a deep breath. As the space within the airways narrows, there can be audible signs such as a slight whistling or wheezing noise. 

The Difficulty of Explaining Symptoms 

If children are very young when starting to develop asthma, they inevitably have difficulty in accurately expressing any sensations they might feel. A typical example is that a child is unable to differentiate between a tummy ache and a tight feeling in the chest. A child won’t be perceptive enough to describe the severity of an asthma attack or connect it to an external cause such as a particular irritant. All children are prone to unrealistic exaggerations when relating incidents which can hinder any explanations they may try to provide. Consequently, it is the child’s parents who must use their own observations to identify any behavioural patterns or symptoms that could indicate asthma.  

The Importance of Seeking Medical Advice 

Although asthma cannot be cured, but attacks can be controlled through asthma treatment (typically with inhalers), so it is vital to seek help from a doctor as soon as possible. Other medical conditions or allergic reactions to substances such as pet hair, general air pollution or smoky environments need to be ruled out before a clear diagnosis can be made. Family history regarding conditions such as eczema, hayfever and persistent respiratory infections also need to be considered. Consequently, children often spend months being asthma suspects as doctors carry out various tests before a definite diagnosis is made. Asthma treatment can control unpleasant attacks and improve the quality of a child’s life, so seek medical help sooner rather than later.