Signs of Asthma in Newborns

Over and over people are saying how allergies and Asthma are on the rise in many developed countries. Hearing such things can only lead to worries for new parents, especially once their little one starts coughing or wheezing. One thing all parents need to remember is that even though you might be filled with worry, staying calm will help keep your baby calm, which is especially important if your little one is having difficulties breathing. A trip to the doctor or emergency room (depending on the severity) is always the best way to help treat little ones.

Symptoms

• There are really only a few real symptoms of Asthma. Wheezing which is a high-pitched whistling sound when exhaling is the most well-known. As the airways become more inflamed, the wheezing can worsen and be heard in both inhales and exhales. Another symptom is coughing, especially if coughing worsens at night or during physical activity. Another major symptom is retractions, which is when the chest is moving in more of a see-saw motion. Some kids will even complain of pain in their chest because of the extra labor needed to breathe.

Causes

• Although there is no real proof as to why some people get Asthma, there are some triggers or patterns that seem to be related to asthmatics. For many asthmatics physical activity triggers the symptoms of Asthma. For others, exposure to allergens, such as pet dander, dust or pollen, trigger the symptoms. If there is a family history of Asthma or allergies, a child is more likely to be diagnosed with Asthma, although this does not mean that all children in such situations will end up with Asthma.

Diagnosis

• A child needs to have multiple episodes of wheezing before many medical professionals will be willing to give a diagnosis of Asthma. The tests used to diagnose Asthma are not usable for infants, because the patient has to be able to follow instructions. The main test is a pulmonary function test, sometimes called lung function test. The patient must exhale fully and continually to the best of his ability into a machine. The machine the patient breathes into registers the breath and doctors use to determine the diagnosis of Asthma.

  The thing to keep in mind is that doctors will treat young children and infants without diagnosing them with Asthma.

Triggers

• Some children will start wheezing in response to triggers. Doctors will usually ask about any triggers the child could have been exposed to while deciding how to treat Asthma or Asthma-like symptoms. A common trigger is cold air, especially cold, winter air. By keeping a child's chest, neck and mouth covered when outside in the cold, Asthma symptoms can sometimes be avoided. Another common trigger is cigarette smoke. Young child should never be exposed to cigarette or any nicotine smoke for any length of time. Also allergens, particularly pet dander, dust and mold, have been known to cause wheezing and coughing in children. By avoiding these triggers as much as possible, Asthma symptoms can be kept to a minimum.

Other Diagnoses

• Wheezing or coughing can be the symptoms to other problems. Some symptoms as simple as a cold or minor infection can cause a babu's airway passages to swell, which results in symptoms similar to Asthma. Sometimes a foreign object (baby powder particles) or baby food can be inhaled resulting in wheezing or coughing.
  Other illnesses like RSV or Bronchiolitis could be the cause, especially during the colder seasons or in premature babies. Sometimes wheezing and coughing are the first signs of Cystic Fibrosis although there are often many other more severe symptoms, like no weight gain.

  If the wheezing is making you, the parents and caregivers, uncomfortable, make an appointment to see the pediatrician.