Common Symptoms of Asthma

Common Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma has many symptoms.  Children with asthma may experience some or all of them. Talk to your doctor about asthma if you notice:

coughing throughout the night that often wakes you or your child up

cold symptoms (congestion, coughing, difficulty breathing) that last longer than a typical cold; a cold that won't go away (longer than 3-4 weeks)

coughing, wheezing, breathlessness or chest tightness after a few minutes of exercise

coughing, wheezing, breathlessness or chest tightness that occurs at specific times of year, such as "allergy season"

How asthma affects lungs

Asthma makes breathing difficult and often results in coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. Here's what happens:

something is inhaled that causes the lungs to over-react (see Asthma Triggers)

the airways in the lungs get inflamed and swollen

All of these changes in the lungs' airways block the flow of air and may cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or a feeling of tightness in the chest.

Although about 3 million Canadians of all ages have asthma, the good news is that asthma can be treated and well controlled.  This means it doesn't have to interfere with you or your child's daily life - having fun, learning, sleeping, playing sports or other everyday activities.

There are many athletes such as hockey player Gary Roberts and speed skater, Susan Auch, who learned to control their asthma so they could participate in sports.

The key to exercise is to control asthma with trigger avoidance and effective medication. If you or your child's ability to exercise is limited because of asthma, the asthma is probably not well controlled and you should see the doctor.

The pages in the Adult Information section have more information about asthma and your role in helping your child control it.  We've also included many links to valuable health care sites that will help you learn more about asthma and be confident in the care your child is receiving.

Click here to view a helpful document from the Ontario Public Health Education Department called "The Basics of Asthma, Allergies and Anaphylaxis.

Risk Factors

Asthma may be more likely when:

other members of the family have asthma, allergies or eczema

children are exposed to their asthma triggers at home, such as smoke, pets or dust

What are the potential risks of not treating your asthma?  Click here for more info.

What's Asthma All About?-Video

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario