What you need to know if your child has asthma

Conditions such as bronchitis and respiratory viruses can mimic asthma symptoms, making it difficult for parents to determine what their child is suffering from.

“It’s not always easy to determine if your child has asthma,” says Mili Shum, MDan allergist and immunologist at University of Utah Health. “But if there is difficulty breathing or wheezing when coughing, or if the coughing is caused by running around, that indicates asthma.”

If your child regularly has the following symptoms, make an appointment with the doctor to express your concerns about asthma:

• Shortness of breath
• Frequent congestion or tightness in the chest
• Wheezing or a high-pitched whistling sound when exhaling
• A persistent cough that gets worse with exertion, when sick, or during sleep
• Problems breathing, especially during physical activity
• Often developing bronchitis after a viral respiratory disease

Your child may not have all of these symptoms; they may even have just one or two. Your doctor will likely ask about a family history of asthma or breathing problems, and whether your child’s symptoms worsen with the following triggers:

• Exposure to allergens such as pet dander, pollen, dust, or mold
• Exposure to polluted air or smoke, including cigarette smoke
• Strong odors, such as perfumes or hairspray
• Cold air
• Respiratory illnesses, including the common cold, COVID-19 and sinus infections
• Physical activity