CHILDHOOD COLD OR ASTHMA?

Children have much smaller bronchial tubes than grown-ups.  In fact, sometimes children’s airways are so small that swelling caused by a common viral infection can make breathing very labored.  As a parent or caregiver, it can be extremely difficult to differentiate symptoms of childhood illnesses such as croup, bronchitis, or pneumonia from those of asthma.  Symptoms that often signal asthma complications in children are a breathing rate increase of 50 percent, rapid movement or flaring of nostrils, wheezing with normal daily activities, and chest expansion that does not deflate during exhalation.  When a child exhibits any of the above signs of respiratory distress, it is time to seek the help of a medical professional.

P.S.  Children can use most of the asthma medications that adults use to control symptoms.  However, the dosages are lower and the way the medication is administered may be different.

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