Warning Signs Your Child Might Have Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects a person’s airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrowed. This serious health condition typically develops in childhood, usually before the age of five, and can result in chest tightness, wheezing, and other symptoms that make it difficult to breathe.

If your child appears to have periodic or chronic difficulty breathing, Dr. Michele Johnson-Towson of The Pediatric Place of Tampa can help. Here are a few common warning signs that may indicate you should consider having your child tested for asthma in Tampa, FL.

Wheezing and/or Chest Tightness

If your child wheezes when they exhale — which sounds almost like a whistling noise — they may need to be tested and treated for breathing problems. Chest tightness may also accompany wheezing or may occur on its own.  

Coughing

While children tend to get sick often and deal with coughing as a result, chronic coughing — particularly upon waking and at night — may be a sign of lung disease. If your child doesn’t appear to be sick but still coughs frequently, they may need to be tested for breathing issues. 

Trouble Breathing With Allergen Exposure or Physical Activity

If your child tends to cough or wheeze during or after exposure to things like mold, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen, they may have allergen-induced breathing asthma. Children who tend to have difficulty breathing during play or exercise may also suffer from some form of lung disease.

Having your child undergo testing for both allergies and asthma in Tampa, FL, can help you figure out what’s going on. And once you have answers, you can get your child the treatment they need to thrive.

Difficulty Sleeping

If your child regularly struggles to get a full night’s rest, chronic breathing issues may be a culprit. If your child isn’t getting enough sleep, you may notice one or more of the following signs:

• Dark undereye circles
• Complaints of feeling tired frequently
• Difficulty paying attention
• Inability to regulate mood
• Impulsive behavior and/ or hyperactivity
• Problems with social skills
• Sleeping during car rides or nodding off at school

Chronic Breathing Problems

If your child suffers from chronic breathing difficulties, such as gasping for air, shortness of breath, or rapid breathing, they may have asthma and should undergo testing.  

If you believe your child may need treatment for asthma in Tampa, FL, please don’t hesitate to schedule testing and treatment with Dr. Johnson-Towson at the Pediatric Place Of Tampa. Call our office at (813) 264-2288 or request an appointment online, and we’ll be in touch promptly to get you scheduled.