What are the signs and symptoms of asthma in children?

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma in children?

Signs and symptoms of asthma in children include:

• Frequent coughing spells, which may occur while the child is playing, laughing, or at night or right after waking. Coughing may be the only symptom.
• Less energy during play.
• Rapid breathing.
• Complaint of chest tightness or the chest "hurting."
• Whistling sound (wheezing) when the child is breathing in or out.
• Retractions (see-saw motions) in the chest from difficulty breathing.
• Shortness of breath or loss of breath.
• Tightened neck and chest muscles.
• Feelings of weakness or tiredness.

Not all children have the same asthma symptoms. Symptoms can vary from episode to episode in the same child. In addition, not all wheezing or coughing is caused by asthma.

If your child has problems breathing, take him or her to the pediatrician for an evaluation. Your child may be referred to a specialist, such as a pediatric pulmonary provider or a pediatric allergist.