Asthma

In childhood asthma, the lungs and airways become easily inflamed when exposed to certain triggers, such as inhaling pollen or catching a cold or other respiratory infection. Childhood asthma can cause bothersome daily symptoms that interfere with play, sports, school and sleep. In some children, unmanaged asthma can cause dangerous asthma attacks.
Childhood asthma isn't a different disease from asthma in adults, but children face unique challenges. The condition is a leading cause of emergency department visits, hospitalizations and missed school days.

Unfortunately, childhood asthma can't be cured, and symptoms can continue into adulthood. But with the right treatment, you and your child can keep symptoms under control and prevent damage to growing lungs.

Symptoms

Common childhood asthma signs and symptoms include:

• Frequent coughing that worsens when your child has a viral infection, occurs while your child is asleep or is triggered by exercise or cold air
• A whistling or wheezing sound when breathing out
• Shortness of breath
• Chest congestion or tightness

Childhood asthma might also cause:

• Trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• Bouts of coughing or wheezing that get worse with a cold or the flu
• Delayed recovery or bronchitis after a respiratory infection
• Trouble breathing that hampers play or exercise
• Fatigue, which can be due to poor sleep

Asthma signs and symptoms vary from child to child, and might get worse or better over time. Your child might have only one indication, such as a lingering cough or chest congestion.

It can be difficult to tell whether your child's symptoms are caused by asthma. Periodic or long-lasting wheezing and other asthma-like symptoms can be caused by infectious bronchitis or another respiratory problem.

Allergy

No parent wants to see their child suffer. Any child can develop allergies, but they are more common in children from families with a history of allergies. Since it’s impossible for parents to control absolutely everything that their child is exposed to or eats, parents should instead focus on monitoring their child for symptoms.

Early identification of childhood allergies will improve your child’s quality of life, reduce the number of missed school days and help you avoid having to use sick time or vacation days to care for your child. If your son or daughter is struggling, take control of the situation and consult an allergist today.

Early identification of childhood allergies will improve your child’s quality of life, reduce the number of missed school days and help you avoid having to use sick time or vacation days to care for your child.

Allergy Symptoms in Children

• Skin rashes or hives (atopic dermatitis or eczema)
• Difficulty breathing (asthma)
• Sneezing, coughing, a runny nose or itchy eyes
• Stomach upset

Common Allergy triggers in Children

• Outdoors: tree pollen, plant pollen, insect bites or stings
• Indoors: pet or animal hair or fur, dust mites, mold
• Irritants: cigarette smoke, perfume, car exhaust
• Foods: peanuts, eggs, milk and milk products