Does my child have asthma? Learn the signs and symptoms As a parent, you know that a child’s cough can mean many things. It could be something as simple as a cold. But did you know it also could be asthma? Asthma is a common chronic disease in children. Although it usually starts before age 5, kids can be diagnosed with asthma at any age. And while any child (or adult) can have asthma, it is more likely in kids with risk factors, such as allergies or a family history of allergies or asthma. More than a cough In addition to coughing, the most common asthma warning signs and symptoms include: ■ Shortness of breath, especially with exercise. ■ Wheezing, a whistling sound from the chest when your child breathes out. ■ Chest tightness. Children may say their chest hurts. ■ Feeling tired or weak. With asthma, coughing and other signs and symptoms may be worse at certain times, such as at night or early in the morning; after laughing or crying; and when your child is around substances that may trigger their asthma, such as plant pollen, dust or pets. What’s more, kids with asthma may have trouble sleeping, playing or taking part in sports because of their breathing problems. So that’s something to watch for, too. Speak up If your child has signs and symptoms of asthma, let your child’s primary care provider know. Asthma is a serious disease. It puts kids at risk for asthma attacks. Severe asthma attacks can cause trips to the emergency department. And children can die from a severe attack. Fortunately, asthma can be controlled, and kids can feel better with the right treatment plan. That usually means taking asthma medicines and avoiding asthma triggers. We can help! The Alliance offers the Healthy Breathing for Life program for adults and children diagnosed with asthma. This program will help you and your child learn new ways to manage asthma. You will also learn how to avoid asthma attacks and how to best use your asthma medicine. Please call the Alliance Health Education Line for more information at 800-700-3874, ext. 5580. If you need language assistance, please call the Hearing or Speech Assistance Line at 800-735-2929 (TTY: Dial 7-1-1). This number is a special telephone line to get an interpreter who speaks your language, at no cost to you. Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 4 Living Healthy
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