From the Guidelines
The classic symptoms of asthma in a child include wheezing, persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, and difficulty breathing, which can be triggered by various factors such as allergens, respiratory infections, or exercise. These symptoms can vary in severity and may fluctuate over time, making it essential to seek medical attention if they interfere with daily activities or sleep 1. According to the expert panel report 3 (EPR-3), cough can be the principal or only manifestation of asthma, especially in young children, and monitoring of peak expiratory flow (PEF) or bronchoprovocation may be helpful in diagnosis 1.
Key Symptoms and Triggers
- Wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing out)
- Persistent coughing that often worsens at night or early morning
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Triggers: allergens (like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander), respiratory infections, cold air, exercise, or stress
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment with appropriate medications, such as inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids, can help manage symptoms effectively and prevent serious asthma attacks 1. The Prevention of Early Asthma in Kids (PEAK) trial found that early recognition and treatment of children at increased risk of developing asthma can improve symptom control during the treatment period, although some side effects on linear growth were observed 1.
Considerations for Young Children
In children ages 0 to 4 years, diagnosis is challenging due to the difficulty in obtaining objective measurements of lung function, and caution is needed to avoid giving young children inappropriate prolonged asthma therapy 1. However, it is essential to avoid underdiagnosing asthma and missing the opportunity to treat a child, as the chronic airway inflammatory response and structural changes characteristic of asthma can develop in the preschool years 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Symptoms of asthma include: coughing wheezing chest tightness shortness of breath
The classic symptoms of asthma in a child are:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath 2
From the Research
Classic Symptoms of Asthma in a Child
- The classic symptoms of asthma in a child include wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and dyspnea, as stated in the study 3
- These symptoms are typically intermittent and can be caused by infections, exercise, allergens, or irritants 3
- In some young children, cough may be the only symptom of asthma 3
- The diagnosis of asthma is based on a combination of history and physical examination findings and pulmonary function test results 3
Management of Asthma Symptoms
- Controller drugs, such as inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta2-agonists, long-acting muscarinic antagonists, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and injectable biologics, can reduce symptoms and prevent exacerbations 3
- These drugs are introduced in a stepwise manner, depending on age and severity of symptoms 3
- Acute asthma exacerbations are managed with bronchodilators and oral corticosteroids 3
Treatment Options
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) and long-acting inhaled beta(2)-agonists (LABAs) are recommended treatment options for asthma 4
- Fixed-dose combinations of ICSs and LABAs, such as fluticasone propionate/formoterol fumarate and budesonide/formoterol fumarate, are effective in improving lung function and reducing symptoms 4, 5, 6
- Single-inhaler combination therapy, such as budesonide/formoterol, can be used for both maintenance and relief of asthma symptoms 7