Asthma

In childhood 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. Childhood asthma can cause irritating daily symptoms that interfere with play, sports, school and sleep. In some children, un-managed asthma can cause dangerous asthma attacks.

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

Unfortunately, childhood 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.

Symptoms

Common childhood asthma symptoms include:

• A whistling or wheezing sound when breathing out.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest congestion or tightness.
• Frequent coughing that worsens when your child:
  • Has a viral infection.
  • Is sleeping.
  • Is exercising.
  • Is in the cold air.

Childhood asthma also might cause:

• Trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing.
• Bouts of coughing or wheezing that get worse with a cold or the flu.
• Delayed recovery or bronchitis after a respiratory infection.
• Trouble breathing that hampers play or exercise.
• Fatigue, which can be due to poor sleep.

Asthma symptoms vary from child to child and might get worse or better over time. Your child might have only one symptom, such as a lingering cough or chest congestion.

It can be difficult to tell whether your child's symptoms are caused by asthma. Wheezing and other asthma-like symptoms can be caused by infectious bronchitis or another respiratory problem.