Signs Your Child May Have Asthma

Are you concerned that your child's cough and other symptoms could be signs of asthma? Your Raleigh, NC pediatricians--Dr. Donna Anderson, Dr. Rebecca Daumen, Dr. Allison Hart Schmitt, Dr. Robert Munt, Jr. and Dr. Kasey Joyner of White Oak Pediatrics--describe common signs and share other information about asthma.

What is asthma?

Asthma occurs when the airways in your child's lungs narrow and become inflamed. Unlike colds or viruses, asthma is a chronic lung disease that doesn't go away after a few weeks.

What are the signs of asthma?

It's not always easy to tell if your child has asthma or a virus or infection. Common signs and symptoms of the lung disease include:

• Persistent Cough: Your child may have a cough that just doesn't seem to get better. The cough may get worse at night or when they laugh, cries or exerts themselves.
• Breathing Problems: Children who have asthma may experience rapid breathing, wheezing and shortness of breath
• Tightness: Narrowing and inflammation of the airways can cause a tight feeling in the chest. Your child may complain of chest pain or tightness.
• Lack of Energy: If your child has asthma, breathing can be hard work. It's not surprising that they may tire more easily or have less energy than usual.
• Tight Muscles: Tight muscles in the neck and chest may be a sign of asthma, particularly if the problem occurs in conjunction with other asthma symptoms.

How can my Raleigh pediatrician help my child?

If your child is diagnosed with asthma, their pediatrician can offer treatments that will reduce airway inflammation and narrowing. A daily long-term medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, keeps the disease under control, while a quick-relief inhaler is essential for flare ups. If your child is young, the pediatrician may recommend using a fine mist nebulizer instead of an inhaler to ensure that he or she receives the full benefit of the medication.

Don't ignore that lingering cough or other potential asthma signs. Call your Raleigh, NC pediatricians--Drs. Anderson, Daumen, Hart Schmitt, Munt and Joyner at White Oak Pediatrics--at (919) 787-0266 to schedule an appointment.