How to Recognize Toddler Asthma
It can be hard to recognize the signs of toddler asthma. However, toddlers are very vulnerable to the condition and parents should be aware of the signs. It is harder on children because of having smaller airways. There are certain symptoms that should alarm parents and cause them to schedule a doctor appointment.
To recognize asthma, parents will need to understand the symptoms. Wheezing and coughing are common signs of the condition but all toddlers don’t exhibit the same signs. Some children will have problems with coughing at night or have coughing fits after running really fast.
Other symptoms are trouble with breathing and sucking. There are toddlers with asthma problems that may breathe rapidly and have a muffled cry.
Parents will need to monitor their child’s health for certain illnesses like chronic respiratory infections. Early indications of asthma are repeated bouts with chest colds, pneumonia and bronchitis. A persistent cough is also a warning sign.
Many toddlers tend to develop toddler asthma when sharing a home with a smoker, have allergies or eczema or have family members with asthma or allergies. Low birth weight and obesity can put a child at risk for the condition as well.
Mothers who are smokers should not smoke during the pregnancy because of putting the baby at risk for toddler asthma and other conditions. It is important to live a healthy lifestyle and go to doctor appointments during the pregnancy. Living a healthy lifestyle will lead to a healthy baby and less risks for serious medical conditions.
A journal should also be kept of the baby’s symptoms because asthma tests can be inclusive for toddlers. A pediatrician will need the help of the parents to make an accurate diagnosis. Write down when the symptoms occur, what trigger them and how often they occur.
Asthma is a common condition that affects small children. Parents can benefit from recognizing the severe signs of the condition. Examples of severe sign are face turning blue, nostrils moving quickly and rib cage moving out and in.
If a child is exhibiting these signs, then seek medical help immediately. It is important to be attentive and notice sudden changes. Another severe sign is an increase in the child’s breathing rate.
If a child is showing any of the signs for this condition, then parents should schedule an appointment with a doctor because hesitation can lead to developing chronic toddler asthma.