Asthma in kids: Paediatric pulmonologist lists early symptoms parents should never ignore

How to manage asthma in children: Management of asthma is most successful when it begins early while receiving therapy and making lifestyle changes and avoiding factors that might cause an episodic flare (Image: Pexels)

Asthma is a long-term respiratory condition that leads to inflammation and constriction of the airways, which makes it hard to breathe. In children, that can manifest in subtle ways that parents often miss until a severe attack takes place. Early diagnosis is becoming even more important, since interventions can help control the disease, reduce flare-up and avoid hospitalisation.

Asthma in children is a common ailment, but many parents don't know about its early symptoms: it could include chronic cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath when playing or at night. So can seasonal allergies, frequent colds or sudden difficulty exercising.

“Parents generally think a child’s persistent cough or difficulty in breathing is due to a cold or only laziness,” Dr Ram Bhushan, consultant pediatric pulmonologist, Sunshine Children’s Hospital, Bengaluru, tells Moneycontrol. He adds, “But these can be early symptoms of asthma. If we can identify them early, we can treat the condition effectively to improve the child’s quality of life and decrease emergency room visits.”

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Early symptoms of asthma parents shouldn't ignore

• Persistent Coughing: Coughing that becomes worse at night or while playing could signal airway inflammation.

• Wheezing: A wheeze when you breathe, especially when breathing out, is a well-known symptom of asthma.

• Shortness of Breath: Trouble breathing during little to no activity can indicate limited airflow.

• Chest Tightness or Pain: Kids may also feel like their chest is heavy or tight, particularly after physical activity.

• Frequent Respiratory Infections: Having frequent colds or an infection that won’t go away may be associated with asthma.

• Fatigue or Reluctance to Play: The subtle early warning is the avoidance of physical activity because it’s too hard to breathe.

Symptoms Triggered by Allergens

If your child has cough, sneeze, itchy eyes or wheeze around dust, pollen or pets, it can be a clue to asthma.

Nighttime Symptoms

One common early warning sign is coughing, wheezing or having trouble breathing while asleep.

FAQs on Symptoms of Asthma in Children

1. What are common early symptoms of asthma in children?

Early symptoms include persistent coughing, especially at night or during play, wheezing, and shortness of breath with minimal activity.

2. How can seasonal allergies indicate asthma in children?

Coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, or wheezing around allergens like dust, pollen, or pets can be signs of asthma.

3. Why is early diagnosis of asthma important?

Early diagnosis allows for timely interventions that help control the disease, reduce flare-ups, and avoid hospitalisation.

4. What should parents watch for regarding nighttime asthma symptoms?

Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing while asleep are common early warning signs of asthma in children.

5. How can frequent respiratory infections relate to asthma in children?

Frequent colds or infections that don’t resolve may be associated with asthma, signalling airway inflammation.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.