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Overview
Asthma is a respiratory problem that affects thousands of people each year. Left untreated, an asthma condition can eventually result in serious breathing problems and, in some cases, an attack that results in death. Infant asthma is an even bigger threat because babies are so much more susceptible to breathing complications. Be sure that you are able to recognize asthma symptoms in a baby in order to protect your child and prevent a serious emergency or life threatening situation.
Significance
Baby asthma symptoms are particularly hard to diagnose because a baby cannot tell you anything about how they are feeling. Instead, you will need to look for patterns of behavior. Particularly if your baby was born prematurely or has underdeveloped lungs, asthma will be both a major possibility and a major threat. Baby asthma symptoms are not the same as adult symptoms, which can make diagnosis even more difficult.
Function
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways. This inflammation causes the airways to constrict, limiting the amount of air that reaches the lungs. This can cause severe respiratory distress and even death if left untreated.
Baby asthma can be hard to identify.
Types
In many infants, coughing is the only symptom that you will be able to identify. If your baby is slightly older, than they may also wheeze or appear to be short of breath when they have not been particularly active. They may also limit movement in order to avoid this shortness of breath and chest tightness, but you will not have any way to know if this is the reason for the limited mobility unless you work closely with your pediatrician.
Time Frame
If your baby does have asthma, then you need to get it diagnosed as quickly as possible. Many premature infants show symptoms immediately, but other children do not show conclusive signs until they are as old as three or even five years old. However, if you suspect that your baby has asthma then you should work with a doctor to determine how their respiratory system is functioning rather than waiting for more conclusive evidence.
Prevention/Solution
If your baby does show the symptoms of asthma, then they are just like one in ten children. They will be more susceptible to colds and bronchial illnesses, particularly in their youth. However, preventative medication and careful monitoring will help you avoid this complications and your child will be perfectly able to run, play and frolic just like other kids. However, you may need to keep an emergency inhaler on hand in case they do end up in respiratory distress.
Warning
Asthma attacks can kill people at any age. As a result, you must not overlook the seriousness of these symptoms whether you are a parent or you have asthma yourself. If you suspect that your child has asthma, you must consult a pediatrician immediately so that you can begin preventative treatments and you will know how to respond in an emergency if the child should experience an asthma attack.
