How to Recognize Toddler Asthma

It's not always easy to detect the signs of toddler asthma. But it's important to be able to recognize this condition in small children. That's because babies and toddlers are more vulnerable because they have smaller airways. Here's what to look for.

Instructions

• 1

  Understand the symptoms of toddler asthma. Toddlers don't always have the coughing and wheezing symptoms that are typically associated with asthma. Instead, they may have a cough that only occurs at night, or they may have coughing fits after playing hard. Asthma can also cause your toddler to have trouble sucking, or breathing. Toddlers who have asthma may sound muffled when they cry, and they may breathe rapidly.

• 2

  Monitor your toddler for chronic respiratory infections. Frequent bouts of bronchitis, pneumonia, and chest colds can be early indications of toddler asthma. A constant cough can be another warning sign.

• 3

  Know if your little one is at risk for developing asthma. Toddler asthma occurs most often in babies who share a house with a smoker, have eczema or other allergies, or have family members who have allergies or asthma. Other risk factors include obesity, or low birth weight. Mothers who smoke during their pregnancy are more likely have babies with asthma.

• 4

  Keep track of your baby's symptoms. Asthma tests are sometimes inconclusive in small children. Your baby's pediatrician will need your help in order to be able to tell for sure if the symptoms are in fact being caused by asthma. Write down your baby's symptoms. Be specific about when they occur, how often, and what triggers them.

• 5

  Learn how to recognize the severe symptoms of toddler asthma. This includes rapidly moving nostrils, a rib cage that rapidly moving in and out, or skin on the face and lips turning blue. Another major sign of trouble is a 50 percent increase in the baby's breathing rate. If these symptoms occur, get medical help immediately.