Recognizing Asthma Symptoms in Your Child: What Parents Should Know
Learn the common warning signs of asthma in children and when to seek urgent care.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children. Early recognition of symptoms helps families get the right treatment plan and avoid emergencies.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent coughing, especially at night or after activity
- Wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Chest tightness or complaints of chest pain
- Fatigue during play or exercise
Contact your pediatric pulmonologist if symptoms happen more than a couple of times per week, if rescue inhaler use increases, or if symptoms interfere with sleep or school.
Seek urgent care right away if your child is struggling to breathe, has persistent retractions (skin pulling in around the ribs or neck), or cannot speak in full sentences. When in doubt, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
If you are unsure whether your child's symptoms require specialist care, we are happy to help you decide the next steps.