Posted in Blog on August 19, 2026
Asthma Symptoms in Children: Signs, Causes & Treatment Options
Reviewed by Michael C. Hollie, MD
Has your child experienced coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath after physical activity? Do respiratory infections tend to go to their chest? Your child may suffer from childhood asthma. This very common chronic illness can significantly impact your family’s ability to do what they love. Read more to learn about early signs that your child is experiencing asthma—and what to do if they are.
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Early Signs of Asthma in Kids
According to the CDC, over 4.6 million kids across the United States suffer from asthma. As the most common chronic illness among children, asthma can seriously impact your child’s quality of life. From playing a little league game to petting your family dog, symptoms can be easily triggered at any moment of your little one’s life.
At The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen, we understand the severity of asthma symptoms. That’s why it is important to recognize early asthma signs, treat them as soon as possible and prevent life-threatening asthma symptoms.
Our expert providers share early signs of asthma to look for in your child and the next steps to take if you suspect they are experiencing symptoms.
What is Asthma and How Does It Affect Children?
Asthma, one of the most common long-term diseases among children, is a lung disease that causes inflamed and narrowed airways. This inflammation makes the lungs more sensitive and overreactive. It often causes difficulty breathing, coughing and wheezing that can interfere with school, sleep, play and sports. You can get asthma at any age; however, it is more difficult to diagnose in small children. This is in part due to increased likelihood of having respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms.
What Causes Asthma in Children?
Many parents wonder, “What causes asthma in my child?” There is no singular cause, but there are several factors that can impact a child’s likelihood in developing asthma.
It can be caused by factors out of your control such as genetics, race and gender. For example, asthma is more common in males than females during childhood.
Asthma symptoms can also be impacted by situational elements. Children living in a more urban environment, exposed to secondhand smoke, affected by obesity or experiencing poverty are all more likely to suffer from asthma.
Symptoms of Asthma in Children
Asthma symptoms in children can range from mild to severe and can occur rarely, weekly or even daily. The most common symptoms of the lung disease you should be aware of are:
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Persistent cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in chest
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, especially after exposure to triggers such as respiratory infections, allergens or exercise, it is important to bring them to a healthcare professional. These symptoms are also commonly seen in other respiratory illnesses your child may be prone to. Therefore, The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen suggests scheduling an appointment so your child can be properly diagnosed.
10 Tips for Parents of Children with Asthma
By recognizing the early signs, you can help your child be diagnosed with asthma in a timely manner. Based on what triggers asthma symptoms in your child, we have a list of 10 suggestions to help regulate symptoms and prevent asthma exacerbations.
- Make sure to frequently dust and vacuum your home.
- Ensure all mattresses have an allergen-proof cover.
- Keep any pets out of allergy-prone kids’ bedrooms.
- During allergy season, make sure your child’s bedroom window stays closed.
- Refrain from using heavy amounts of air fresheners, perfumes, colognes or other strong fragrances.
- During colder seasons, make sure your child’s neck is protected via scarf or other coverings.
- Monitor your child closely when they’re experiencing cold or flu symptoms.
- If prescribed by your healthcare provider, have your child use their inhaler 10-15 minutes before physical activity and keep it nearby.
- Do not allow smoking inside your car or home. This includes tobacco, marijuana and e-cigarettes.
- Remove standing water and any water leaks to prevent mold from growing in your home.
Asthma Medicine and Treatments for Kids
Even after taking these precautions, asthma episodes are still possible. That is why it is important to be equipped with treatments provided by professionals. These treatments range depending on the severity of your child’s symptoms. Kids with frequent asthma episodes that require ER visits should be evaluated by an asthma specialist. They may need daily maintenance asthma medicine, paired with a rescue inhaler. For children with mild asthma, they are often just prescribed a rescue inhaler.
When treating asthma, it is important to rely on the expertise of trained professionals. They will be able to tell which asthma treatments are best for your child.
Why Choose The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen for Asthma Care?
At The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen, our board-certified professionals can provide expert asthma care for your family. Located in both Tennessee and Georgia, we offer a range of services to help evaluate and treat your child’s asthma symptoms.
Our asthma experts will create a plan tailored to your child so they can keep being a kid. See if your child is suffering from asthma today and schedule an appointment with The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen.
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