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According to recent studies, less than 8 percent of children in the U.S. suffer from asthma. Even though it is possible for children to outgrow the condition, you can’t be sure that your child will be a part of that group. Early recognition of asthma symptoms can ease the process of making them a regular part of their daily life. The cure for this condition is different for every asthmatic kid. These patients have different attack triggers, and their response to specific medications may differ.
Timely identification and treatment can avoid the damage that asthma can cause to young lungs. In fact, it’s parents who first identify the signs that ultimately lead to the diagnosis. With the aim of helping parents, our experts at Katy Pediatric Associates have put together a guide of the telltale signs of asthma.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects nearly 2 million children in Texas.
Often under-diagnosed and under-treated, it happens when the lung passageways narrow, impeding common respiratory function.
Asthma sufferers experience excessive coughing, wheezing, whistling or squeaking while breathing, trouble sleeping, tiredness, and chest tightness. Symptoms appear in the form of attacks and have a ripple effect; when children get attacks, they might not be able to go to school, impacting family dynamics. What triggers asthma is personal, but it can include genetics, allergens, or infections. Some children experience asthma symptoms when exposed to cold air or when engaged in physical activity.
When under-treated, asthma symptoms can become so severe that they can cause death.
The Telltale Symptoms of Asthma in Kids
There is a range of early symptoms and effects that you can recognize. Watch out for:
1. Frequent Coughing
Chronic coughing without any signs of another illness like the flu may indicate that your kid has asthma. When a child has a respiratory infection, the coughing is not dry, unlike with asthma. They may start to cough while in their sleep or in a cold environment.
2. Wheezing
If your child produces a wheezing sound when they breathe, this could easily be an asthma giveaway. This happens due to the reduction in the size of the airways, and it changes the way air moves through their throat, causing a vibration.
3. Chest Congestion
Having a sensation of tightness and pain on the chess can be an indicator of asthma, especially if it comes with other symptoms.
4. Heavy Breathing
It’s normal for a kid to breathe heavily while playing sports, but not while doing other activities that require less energy. Watch out if your child has shortness of breath.
👉 Read More: When to See a Doctor about Cold Symptoms
Secondary Symptoms
Since children sometimes don’t know how to properly express things about their health, you may have to spot other effects that come with asthma. If you notice one of these signs along with the others mentioned above, you will probably have to take your kid to the doctor.
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Tension in the neck and chest muscles, as though bracing against coughing
- Avoids hobbies and physical activities that they normally enjoy
- Difficulties to feed in babies
- Taking more time than usual to recover from a cold
- Coughing triggered by laughing, crying, or other emotional reaction
If your child is presenting these visible signs of asthma, the best thing to do is to contact Katy Pediatric Associates for an exam to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. You can book by calling the office directly at 281-492-7676, or by using the online booking tool on this page. You’ll breathe easier knowing that your kid’s health is in good hands.
Your Trusted Pediatric Practice
Knowing your child suffers from asthma can bring significant stress to you and your family. Fortunately, we at Katy Pediatrics Associates are here to help and support you through this situation. If you want to learn more about asthma in kids and how can you manage it through time, don’t hesitate to contact us.
To learn more about symptoms of asthma in Houston, Texas, schedule your visit by calling 281-492-7676 or sending us a message online today.