Breathing Trouble?

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions affecting children. It can significantly impact a child's quality of life, making early detection and management essential. Unfortunately, asthma in children is often underdiagnosed, especially when symptoms are mild or mistaken for common colds or allergies.

- Dr. Dinakar Prithviraj

Asthma is a chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult to breathe. This inflammation causes recurring episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing — particularly at night or early in the morning.

Early Signs of Asthma in Children

1. Frequent Coughing: Coughing — especially at night, during exercise, or after laughter — is one of the earliest signs. If your child has a persistent cough that doesn’t go away with typical cold treatments, asthma could be the culprit.

2. Wheezing: Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound when your child exhales. It’s caused by air trying to move through narrowed airways and is a hallmark sign of asthma.