What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of asthma may come and go. Asthma symptoms may include any combination of:
- repeated coughing, especially at night or the early morning, with exercise, or with viral infections such as colds
- wheezing (a high pitched whistling sound heard during breathing)
- trouble breathing
- new or increased reluctance to participate in vigorous play or activities requiring physical exertion
Other severe symptoms in children are:
- blue or gray lips or fingernails (Call 911.)
- flared nostrils when trying to breathe in
- speaking in short sentences or phrases only
- sinking of skin or muscles between the ribs or the notch at the base of the throat when breathing in
- unusual paleness or sweating
- trouble walking or playing
- hunching over or struggling to breathe
- starts coughing and can’t stop.