Be able to recognize the warning signs.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. If you notice that your child is coughing regularly or seems to have trouble catching their breath, these may be signs of pediatric asthma, and it’s best to address these concerns with our Loma Linda, CA, pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Cobanov.

What Are the Warning Signs of Childhood Asthma?

It isn’t always easy to tell immediately if your child has asthma, as symptoms don’t always appear immediately. Your child may have no symptoms for a long time before their first attack. Furthermore, those symptoms can also be misdiagnosed as another respiratory condition. This is why it’s important to turn to our Loma Linda, CA, pediatrician, who can pinpoint asthma symptoms and provide a proper diagnosis.  

Some children may develop the classic warning signs—coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing—while others may only have a persistent cough. This is why it’s sometimes difficult to diagnose or assume your child has asthma if their only symptom is a cough. If your child develops a cold or respiratory infection, you may notice that the coughing gets worse.  

Your child may also experience,  

• Shortness of breath, particularly during exercise 
• Coughing that sometimes gets worse at night 
• Fatigue 
• Whistling or wheezing when exhaling 
• An inability to catch their breath 
• Difficulty sleeping due to problems breathing 

Often, if these symptoms seem to come and go, your child’s asthma could be due to an allergen such as pet dander or dust mites. When exposed to these allergens, it triggers asthma symptoms. In other cases, asthma may be triggered by other factors such as exercise or cold air. While asthma is considered chronic, some medications can reduce your child’s asthma attacks and help them better manage their symptoms for life.  

Should I Bring My Child in for an Evaluation?

If your child is experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s best to play it safe and give us a call. Explain your child’s symptoms over the phone, and we can decide whether it’s worth having them come in for an evaluation. If your child is having severe trouble breathing or can’t breathe, it’s essential that you take them to your nearest emergency room immediately.  

My Pediatric Home is dedicated to providing caring, gentle and compassionate pediatric care to children in Loma Linda, CA. Whether you suspect that your child has asthma or they’ve been diagnosed and you want to make sure they have the best treatment plan possible, call (909) 531-4427 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cobanov.