Children with Asthma

Information for Parents

In the United States, about 20 million people have asthma; nearly nine million of them are children. Asthma can begin at any age, but most children have their first symptoms by age five. Children’s airways are smaller than those of adults, so having asthma may be especially serious for them.

Things Which Make a Child More Likely to Develop Asthma

Risk factors for developing childhood asthma include:

• Presence of allergies
• Family history of asthma and/or allergies
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Low birth weight
• Exposure to tobacco smoke before and/or after birth
• Being raised in a low-income environment
• Being male
• Being black

Why More Children are Developing Asthma

There is no clear reason as to why more children are developing asthma. Some experts suggest that children are being exposed to more allergens such as dust, air pollution, and second-hand smoke, which are all triggers of asthma. Others suggest that children are not exposed to enough childhood illnesses to build up their immune system. It may be that a failure of the immune system, where the body does not make enough protective antibodies, may be a reason for the increasing number of asthmatic children. Some even suggest that decreasing rates of breastfeeding are preventing important substances in the immune system of the mother from being passed on to babies.

How to Tell if a Child Has Asthma

Signs and symptoms to look for include:

• Frequent coughing spells (may occur during play, while laughing or at night)
• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing in or out)
• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath or loss of breath
• Tightened neck and chest muscles
• Feelings of weakness or tiredness
• Less energy during play
• Complaint of chest tightness or chest pain
• Retractions (visible sinking of the chest wall from labored breathing)

However, not all children have the same asthma symptoms. These symptoms can vary from asthma episode to episode in the same child.

Keep in mind that not all wheezing or coughing is caused by asthma. For children under five years of age, the most common cause of asthma-like symptoms is upper respiratory viral infections such as the common cold.

If your child has problems breathing, take him/her to the doctor immediately for an evaluation.

Related Topics

• Know how asthma is Diagnosed in Children.

• Learn about available Asthma Treatments for Children (medications and natural remedies).

• Learn how to best Manage a Child with Asthma.