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AsThmA AnD yOUr ChiLD
So, your child has asthma? Don't worry. With a little help there is no reason why your child can't take control
of their symptoms and continue to lead a full and active life.
DiAGnOsinG AsThmA in ChiLDren
diagnoSing aSThma in VeRy young ChildRen iS Challenging beCauSe:
• Episodic wheezing and cough are common even in children who do not have asthma and particularly
those less than three years of age. Many of these children will not go on to have asthma in later childhood
• It is not easy to measure how well a young child's lungs are working. A peak flow meter is used for older
children, but is unsuitable and unreliable for younger children (usually those under the age of six).
WhAT Are The mAin sympTOms Of AsThmA
in ChiLDren?
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest
• Recurrent or persistent cough
The pattern of symptoms that develops over time shows whether a child
has asthma. Your doctor may ask you to keep a record of your child's
symptoms and when they happen. This will help your doctor get to the
bottom of your child's breathing difficulties.
