Also known as childhood asthma is the most common serious chronic disease in infants and children; yet is often difficult to diagnose.
In infants and children, asthma may appear as:
•Wheezing (whistling sound) when breathing
•Coughing
•Rapid breathing
•Labored breathing
•Complaints of chest hurting
•Reduced energy
•Feeling weak or tired
Some children have symptoms only when exercising or playing a sport. This is called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction*. Childhood asthma, just like asthma in adults, can’t be cured. But with the right medications and treatment plan, symptoms can be controlled. This is extremely important in order to prevent damage to growing lungs.
Risk factors for developing pediatric asthma:
•Allergies
•Family history of allergies and/or asthma
•Frequent respiratory infections
•Low birth weight
•Second-hand smoke before and/or after birth
•Growing up in a low income, urban environment