Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Pediatric asthma symtpoms

Table of Contents

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)

Review Date: 04/26/2010
Reviewed By: 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)