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Signs of Asthma in Infants

When an infant displays signs of asthma, it can be alarming for a parent or caregiver. Wheezing is often the first and most common sign and may be accompanied by other symptoms. Since an infant can not verbally communicate, knowing what signs to look for can help the parent or caregiver to know when to seek emergency medical attention.

  1. Identification

    • Testing and diagnosing asthma in infants can be difficult. The bronchioles of an infant are very small and can become easily obstructed due to common upper respiratory viruses. Although diagnosing an infant may be difficult, infants are still treated if signs of asthma are present.

    Considerations

    • Keeping a well-documented history of an infant's signs of asthma can help with an official diagnosis once the infant is older. Record when episodes of wheezing and coughing occur, especially in cooler temperatures, with exposure to allergens and during illness.

    Misconceptions

    • Most asthmatic signs in infants are not related to asthma; however, any upper respiratory distress requires prompt medical treatment. Other illnesses that can mimic asthma symptoms in infants include a foreign object inhaled into the lungs, bronchiolitis, upper respiratory viral infections and underdeveloped airway passages.

    Prevention/Solution

    • To help eliminate the signs of asthma in infants, precautions to minimize allergens may be recommended and the avoidance of cigarette smoke is strongly advised. Medications administered through a nebulizer, prescribed by a pediatrician, may also be used to relieve asthma signs and symptoms.

    Warning

    • If an infant displays signs of asthma (upper respiratory distress), it is important to seek prompt medical treatment. An early sign will often include wheezing. Emergency signs that may show shortly after wheezing may include an infant's chest moving deeply and rapidly, pale or blue face, lips, or fingernails, rapid breathing and difficulty eating. These warning signs indicate that the infant needs immediate emergency medical intervention.

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