Childhood asthma can be difficult to diagnose because it often shares the same symptoms as other illnesses such as cold or flu. The diagnosis can be even more troublesome when the asthma trigger is the illness itself. There are ways to tell the difference between a common cold and a chronic condition such as illness-induced asthma. Parents should always talk to their child's doctor if they suspect asthma because early intervention can prevent serious asthma attacks.
Nighttime Coughing: When to Suspect Asthma
Asthma symptoms tend to get worse at night. During sleep, the airways constrict and mucus production increases. The reclining position can also worsen postnasal drip and make acid reflux more troublesome. As a result, coughing and wheezing can disturb sleep during the night and early in the morning.
It's normal for a child to cough at night with a cold or flu, but it's not normal for a cough to keep him up at night for more than two weeks. Most viruses will clear up within 10 days. If a nighttime cough lasts for three weeks or more, a doctor should be consulted.
"Normal" Wheezing versus Asthma Wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that usually occurs when a child exhales. A wheeze can't typically be heard from far away. A light wheeze can only be heard with a stethoscope, but a moderate wheeze can be heard by placing the ear in the center of the child's chest as he exhales forcefully. A whistle on the exhale indicates a wheeze.
Like coughing, wheezing is normal with a cold or other respiratory illness. It simply means the bronchial tubes are constricted or inflamed due to coughing and irritation. But if the wheeze continues after the cold symptoms go away, ask a doctor about asthma.
Shortness of Breath and Chest Tightness with Asthma
If a child breathes heavily after minor physical activity, particularly during or after an illness, asthma could be the cause. Asthma symptoms typically get worse at night, so if a child wakes up with shortness of breath, it's important to contact a doctor right away.
If a child complains of tightness in her chest, she could be struggling to breathe. Asthma involves both constriction of the bronchial muscles and inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Chest tightness could indicate an asthma attack.
Chest Congestion: Cold or Asthma
Many believe that asthma does not have a mucus component, but the fact is asthma can produce mucus in a child's lungs. It's important to be aware of excess mucus in the lower lungs, particularly when the child does not have other cold symptoms such as sore throat and sinus congestion.
While many children, particularly babies and toddlers, exhibit the classic symptoms of asthma such as coughing and wheezing during a respiratory illness, most will recover with no lasting effects. However, older children who cough and wheeze after a virus has passed could have illness-induced asthma. It's important to contact the doctor right away if a child is struggling to breathe or coughing excessively. With today's treatment options, children with asthma can lead normal, healthy lives.
Sources:
U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Asthma in Children" (accessed June 20, 2010)
Aaaai.org, "Tips to Remember: Childhood Asthma" (accessed June 22, 2010)
Aafa.org, "Childhood Asthma" (accessed June 22, 2010)
Kari Lomanno - Kari Lomanno is a high school English teacher and mother of two children ages 9 and 7. She lives in Chesapeake, Virginia with her husband ...
Join the Conversation