Signs of Asthma in Children

The signs of asthma in children can be different than the signs of asthma in adults. Unfortunately, because many people are unaware of this fact, a child's asthma can go untreated because the parents do not recognize the signs. If you notice any of the following signs, ask your child's doctor to screen the child for asthma.

Chest Discomfort

If your child tells you that her chest "feels funny," explore what the child is feeling. A tight chest can be a sign of asthma, but children might have a hard time articulating this feeling.

Difficulty Talking

Children with asthma can have difficulty talking when the asthma flares up, particularly after expressing a strong emotion through laughter or hard crying.

Persistent Coughing

The most common sign of asthma in children is coughing, especially if the coughing awakens the child during the night. If your child coughs persistently for more than 14 days, have him screened for asthma.

Prominent Rib Cage

Children with asthma might have a prominent rib cage. This is a sign that the child has to work very hard to breathe.

Rapid Breathing

Another sign of asthma in children is rapid breathing, defined as 30 to 40 or more breaths per minute.

Wheezing

While not every child with asthma will wheeze, some will. Wheezing is a red flag for asthma in children.

Resources

• Asthma in Children

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