Asthma Symptoms - Spot Them Before Your Child Develops a Serious Problem

How can you know when a cold is not a cold but the first in a line of asthma symptoms? For most it can be hard to know the difference. Do you know what to look out for?

Do not take chances with the possibility of asthma, especially where a child is concerned. Take nothing for granted, wishful thinking may have serious consequences. People often put off consulting their GP because "It will be better in the morning." This is a risk that should never be taken with a child.

You may compare symptoms with those of another asthma sufferer and find them different. This happens as asthma varies from one person to another. However, if you hear wheezing -- that is a whistling sound with the breath, check it out with your GP as soon as possible. Should you wake up wheezing through the night for no reason, or wheeze while suffering from a cold or after exercising, be alert -- this may be asthma developing. Wheezing is not a conclusive indication of asthma -- it could mean you have a viral lung infection, which also warrants urgent medical attention.

Asthma doesn't always involve wheezing. If you have a persistent cough that refuses to go away, that could be a symptom of asthma. Maybe it isn't but don't run the risk of ignoring the cough. One of the most common symptoms of asthma is the feeling of breathlessness, or having difficulty in breathing. A sense of tightness in the chest is another indicator and in a child needs to be seen to as soon as possible. Young children may not be able to accurately describe what they are feeling or where. They may call it a sore throat or a tummy ache. Have the doctor check out the child.

Children may want extra attention. Does this mean they are unwell? They can be such convincing little actors at times, and you know your child best. Should they complain of being tired without reason, take them off to the doctor as tiredness is another common asthma symptom.

Should you suspect your little one may be displaying signs of developing asthma, take notes of the current weather, where and what the child was doing, what he had been close to. In fact, absolutely everything that could affect this possible asthma attack. By identifying a trigger early, you can discuss it with your doctor. You will prevent stress and anxiety in your child's life later on.