Asthma symptoms in children under 5
Common asthma signs and symptoms in children under 5 include:
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Trouble breathing
• A tight, uncomfortable feeling in the chest
• Recurring bronchitis
Some children have few day-to-day symptoms, but have severe asthma attacks now and then. Other children have persistent mild symptoms or symptoms that get worse with activity or other triggers such as cigarette smoke or seasonal allergies.
• If your child is an infant, you may notice slow feeding or shortness of breath during feeding.
• If your child is a toddler or older, you may notice a decreased desire to run and play due to breathlessness. Your son or daughter may become fatigued easily and cough when exercising.
• For many children under age 5, asthma attacks are triggered or worsened by colds and other respiratory infections. You may notice that your child's colds last longer than they do in other children, or that signs and symptoms include frequent coughing that may get worse at night.