Pediatrics Virtual Tour

Asthma - pediatric - Symptom

Alternative Names

Pediatric asthma

Symptoms:

Difficulty breathing
Fast (rapid) breathing
Shortness of breath, even at rest
Tightness in the chest
Cough

Note: A persistent night-time cough is one common sign of asthma, even in children without other symptoms.

Emergency symptoms:

Difficulty breathing
Bluish color to the lips and face
Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath
Rapid pulse
Sweating
Decreased level of alertness, such as severe drowsiness or confusion

Signs and tests:

The doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to the lungs. Asthma-related sounds may be heard. However, lung sounds are usually normal between asthma episodes.

Tests may include:

Lung function tests
Peak flow measurements
Chest x-ray
Allergy skin or blood tests
Arterial blood gas
Eosinophil count (a type of white blood cell)

Peak flow meter

Lungs

Normal versus asthmatic bronchiole

Reviewed last on: 2/4/2009
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Rockville, MD. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2007. NIH publications 08-4051.

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