symptoms
Symptoms are what your child feels when their airways become inflammed and narrow. They can vary from child to child, from one attack to the next, and even from season to season. You'll want to look closely for asthma symptoms in your child, take note of any triggers that may be causing these symptoms, and talk to your child about how they're feeling. It's useful to record your observations and share them with your healthcare provider to help them find the right treatment plan for your child.
Asthma symptoms
In general, common asthma symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing, especially at night
- Wheezing (a whistling sound heard when breathing)
- Tightness, pain or pressure in the chest
Very young children may not be able to describe these symptoms. They might complain that their chest hurts or feels funny. Or, they might just seem irritable for no reason. If you notice these behaviors in your infant or toddler, you'll want to share them with your child's healthcare provider.
Allergy symptoms
Often allergies can trigger an asthma attack, but the two conditions are different and should not be confused. When your child has an allergic reaction, their immune system is responding to substances called allergens that the body considers harmful. If your child is allergic to certain foods or airborne particles, such as pollen and dust mites, the reaction can irritate their airways and trigger asthma symptoms.
Allergy symptoms can include:
- Watery eyes
- Skin rash
- Itchiness
- Congestion
- Difficulty breathing
If you notice allergy symptoms in your child, consult your child's healthcare provider so that they can help you determine the cause of these symptoms.
TOOLKIT FOR PARENTS
Download our Asthma Symptom and Trigger Tracker to help identify and track your child's symptoms.
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