What Are the Symptoms of Asthma?

Asthma is often diagnosed in early childhood, though it can be challenging to identify because young children are especially prone to respiratory infections and may also be developing seasonal or environmental allergies. Since children may struggle to communicate their symptoms, recognizing the signs of asthma is especially important.

Common symptoms of asthma include:

• Coughing. Coughs are important to monitor as they do not always have to be persistent to be a symptom of asthma. You may also notice the cough worsens at night.
• Wheezing. A wheezing sound is an indication that your child is having difficulty breathing. Wheezing can occur on intake or exhalation of breath.
• Shortness of Breath. Short or quickened breathing indicates compromised lung capacity and often worsens during exertion. This symptom may be difficult for your child to communicate depending on their age, but can be observed, especially if there are other symptoms present.
• Retractions: In addition to shortness of breath, parents may notice ‘sucking in’ at the base of the throat or under the ribs, which are signs that a child is working harder to breathe.
• Chest Tightness: A feeling of tightness in the chest is often associated with shortness of breath due to constricted or narrowed airways.
• Exhaustion: Often, children suffering from asthma symptoms also experience difficulty sleeping, or can become easily fatigued during activity due to trouble breathing.

Symptoms may also flare up during or after a viral illness, such as a common cold. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, you should have them seen by a doctor as soon as possible.

Does My Child Have Asthma or Could it be Allergies?

Only a healthcare provider can make a diagnosis, but allergies can cause symptoms that closely resemble asthma and should also be carefully monitored.

Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly reacts to a harmless substance as though it were dangerous. Allergies are common at all ages and often flare up during spring and summer due to pollen, but many other allergens can trigger symptoms, including:

• Pet dander
• Dust
• Mold
• Certain foods
• Household products such as detergents or fragrant soaps

Allergic reactions often affect the sinuses (ears, nose, and throat) or cause skin symptoms like hives or rashes. Unlike asthma, allergies do not directly cause airway narrowing, but they can contribute to inflammation that affects breathing.

While allergies cannot be cured, they can often be managed with medications and by identifying and avoiding triggers.

Allergy-Induced Asthma

In some children, allergic reactions can trigger asthma symptoms—a condition known as allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma.

When the immune system responds to an allergen, it may cause airway inflammation that leads to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. These symptoms often appear after exposure to a trigger, such as playing with a pet, being outdoors during high pollen counts, or using a new household product.

Tracking when symptoms occur and what may have triggered them can help providers make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

How Is Allergy-Induced Asthma Treated?

Typically, asthma and allergies are treated separately, but when they are linked, there are treatments designed to help with both.

Treatment varies depending on the child and the severity of symptoms, but effective options are available to help manage allergies, asthma, and allergy-induced asthma.

We’re Here to Help

If you’re unsure whether symptoms are related to asthma, allergies, or something else entirely, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. ConvenientMD’s experienced medical providers can evaluate the symptoms, discuss potential triggers, and help determine the next steps for care.

With walk-in availability and extended hours, we make it easier to get timely care—so you can get back to breathing easier as soon as possible.