How to Diagnose Asthma in Children

Wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath are signs of asthma in children, but these signs alone do not exclude other ailments; therefore a diagnosis involves a physical exam, questions about patient and family history and lung functioning tests.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for signs and symptoms of asthma. Coughing that worsens after play, reoccurring wheezing, trouble breathing, chest tightness and symptoms that worsen during the night are signs the Mayo Clinic lists as symptoms of asthma. Symptoms triggered by cold air, exercise or exposure to allergens and coughing that includes a runny nose with clear mucus also point to a diagnosis of asthma. MedicineNet.org points out that all children do not have the same symptoms and symptoms can vary with episodes.

• 2

  Know your medical history. Seeking a variety of information, a doctor will ask about a family's medical history. It is important to know if anyone suffers from hay fever or other allergies that are linked to asthma, as well as what kind of health problems the patient and family have suffered in the past. A physician would also ask about medications and herbal supplements the patient may be taking.

• 3

  Schedule a physical exam. The examination will include a look at the ears, nose, throat and upper airway. Listening to lung sounds with a stethoscope might uncover a high pitched whistling sound while breathing in and out, which is a significant sign of asthma. Finally, the examiner should look at the patient's skin condition. Eczema and hives are also associated with asthma.

• 4

  Confirm the diagnosis with lung or pulmonary functioning tests. These tests are seldom done on children under the age of five, however, because they sometimes lack the ability to follow directions during the tests.

• 5

  Watch for symptoms, avoid triggers and use the prescribed medication. Children should avoid smoke or other known allergens that may trigger an attack. Caregivers and teachers should have a copy of the plan. Medications could include inhaled asthma medications or liquid delivered through a mist nebulizer.

• 6

  Set goals to control asthma. The goals for children with asthma include: living an active life, going to school every day, and the prevention of chronic symptoms by avoiding triggers and taking medications with the least amount of side effects.