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Overview
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that makes breathing difficult for those it affects. Asthma can strike at any age, and symptoms vary depending on the age and health of the person affected. Toddler symptoms of asthma are different than adult symptoms, and they are complicated by the fact that most toddlers can't talk. However, there are several common symptoms that parents can watch for that indicate asthma.
Identification
Wheezing is the most common indicator of asthma. If the child whistles or wheezes when inhaling or exhaling, it suggests problems with the airways. Coughing is another sign of asthma in toddlers. A cough is the body's natural response to clear out mucous from the lungs. If the child is coughing and not otherwise sick, the airways may be inflamed or clogged with mucous because of asthma. Children who have allergies and eczema commonly have asthma also. Breathing that worsens at night, or bouts of coughing or wheezing that only happen at night suggest probable asthma.
Benefits
Knowing the symptoms of asthma in toddlers allow caregivers to identify the disease early. Because early identification leads to early treatment, this significantly reduces the long term damage to the lungs and decreases the likelihood of any permanent damage. Catching asthma symptoms early can eliminate the frightening first attack that many times is the only way children get a diagnosis. These attacks are frightening and psychologically damaging to children, so avoidance of the attack has a positive impact.
Warning
Any symptoms of asthma in a toddler warrant immediate medical attention. If the child's pediatrician is available, head for the office immediately. If the doctor isn't available, go to the nearest hospital to the emergency room. Keep in mind that asthma symptoms often come and go, so just because a symptom disappears doesn't mean it's not asthma. Once taking a medication for asthma, do not stop unless specifically directed to do so by the doctor. Consult a physician if there is any increase in asthma symptoms, as this may be an indicator of a serious medical problem.
Treatment
The treatment of the symptoms of asthma depends largely on the situation and severity. Antihistamines are a common choice for allergic asthma, for instance. Emergency inhalers, also known as fast-acting inhalers, treat asthma attacks when they happen. Daily inhalers or pills treat asthma long-term, working to reduce symptoms over time. When asthma is especially hard to treat or severe, a nebulizer gets the medication into the lungs.
Considerations
Symptoms of asthma often indicate a flare-up of the disease. Asthma presents different symptoms in every individual. Not all symptoms are likely to be present. If a family member has asthma, a child is far more likely to develop the disease. Exposure to irritants such as smoke, pollutants, strong smells and allergens increase the likelihood and severity of asthma attacks.
Prevention/Solution
Asthma has little or no symptoms when managed well. Medication greatly reduces asthma symptoms, along with avoidance of known asthma triggers. Management of the disease with frequent checkups from a doctor leads to a reduction in symptoms over time.
