Signs and Symptoms of Pediatric Asthma

Asthma is a lung condition that makes breathing extremely difficult by causing the airways to swell and narrow. Numerous problems and difficulties may arise from poorly managed asthma.

In pediatric asthma, the lungs and airways become easily inflamed when exposed to certain triggers. Such triggers include inhaling pollen or catching a cold or other respiratory infection. Pediatric asthma can cause irritating daily symptoms that interfere with play, sports, school and sleep. In some children, asthma can cause dangerous asthma attacks if it’s not managed properly.

Pediatric asthma isn’t a different disease from asthma in adults, but children face unique challenges. This condition is the leading cause of emergency department visits, hospitalizations and missed school days.

Pediatric asthma can’t be cured, and symptoms can continue into adulthood. But with the right treatment, you and your child can keep symptoms under control and prevent damage to growing lungs.

Not all children have the same asthma symptoms. And the symptoms can vary from episode to episode in the same child.  Pediatric asthma symptoms may include:

Frequent coughing spells- Coughing may occur while your child is playing or laughing. They may also occur at night or right after your child wakes up. Coughing may be their only symptom.

Less energy during play

Rapid breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea).

Complaining of chest tightness or their chest “hurting.”

When your child breaths in or out, they make a whistling sound, often known as wheezing.

Retractions, when your child tries to exhale, the space between their neck and ribs sinks in. Retractions indicate that your child is having difficulty breathing.

Feelings of weakness or tiredness.

Irritability.

Trouble feeding (sucking or eating).

When your child has an asthma attack (asthma exacerbation), their symptoms may get much worse. Attacks can occur gradually or rapidly. They can occasionally be life-threatening (status asthmaticus). 

You should take your child to a pediatric specialist if you think they may have asthma. In addition to helping manage symptoms, early therapy may help avoid asthma attacks. 

Make an appointment with a health professional if you notice:

Coughing that is constant, is intermittent or seems linked to physical activity.

Wheezing or whistling sounds when your child breathes out.

Shortness of breath or rapid breathing.

Complaints of chest tightness.

Repeated episodes of suspected bronchitis or pneumonia.

Increase in respiratory rate at rest.

Turning pale or bluish in their face, lips and/or fingernails.

Trouble speaking, inability to speak in sentences or not being able to speak at all.

Although the precise etiology of asthma is unknown, it typically manifests in childhood, when your child’s immune system is still developing. How your child’s lungs grow or how their body fights infections can be influenced by a variety of factors. These include :

Genetics: A biological family history, such having an asthmatic parent.

Allergens are environmental factors, like dust or tobacco smoke, that can have an impact on your child.

Viral infections at a young age: Common colds and other respiratory diseases that impair breathing.

Children often outgrow their asthma as they age. Until then, reducing risk is the best way to prevent serious attacks. Here are some of the best ways to do that:

Avoid triggers. Steer clear of irritants that make asthma symptoms worse. Common triggers include environmental allergies, animal dander, mold, or strong smells including cooking spices or cleaning products.

Control dust and mold in the home, especially your child’s bedroom. Cover their mattress and pillows with protective dust-mite-proof covers. Wash blankets and stuffed animals in hot water once per week. Vacuum frequently and remove carpeting and rugs in bedroom if possible.

Allergy treatment and testing. Not all kids with allergies have asthma, but allergies are common in those with asthma and can trigger attacks. Talk with a pediatrician about safe allergy remedies. If there’s no improvement, a pediatric allergist can pinpoint your child’s allergies and provide a treatment plan, which might include testing and immunotherapy.

Take your controller medications regularly. Inhaled corticosteroids and other control medicines can prevent asthma attacks. Continue to give them as recommended even when your child is doing well and not ill.

Carry your child’s rescue medications. Rescue inhalers or nebulizers such as albuterol can give quick relief of symptoms. Have them readily on hand and carry along with spacer and/or nebulizer.

Recognize the warning signs of attacks. Know what to do in an emergency, and help your child learn to describe how they are feeling.

Inform teachers, friends, and family. Make sure everyone in your child’s circle is aware of their condition, signs to look for, how to manage their medication, and knows when to seek medical attention.

Conclusion

Children can live active, healthy lives with pediatric asthma if it is diagnosed early, treated appropriately, and managed consistently. The key to managing asthma is identifying the early symptoms, avoiding triggers, and following as your pediatrician advises. Our skilled pediatric staff at Ankura Hospital for Women and Children provides complete asthma care, from diagnosis to long-term management, to guarantee that every child can breathe easily and live a better quality of life.