Asthma in Children: Day-to-Day Signs for Parents to Watch
Children may not describe their symptoms well. Night-time signs and how well they can be active are important clues.
Day-to-day signs to watch
- Whether they cough, wheeze or wake often at night or early in the morning
- Whether they cough or get short of breath easily after activity, and whether they can run and jump normally
- Whether a cough lasts clearly longer than usual after a cold
- Whether they often rub their nose, sneeze, or also have eczema
- Whether they are using reliever medicine more often
Key points for home management
Use controller medicines regularly as set out in the doctor's plan, and make sure you know how to use the inhaler device correctly. Reduce exposure to house dust mite, smoke and irritating smells. After a cold, make sure they rest and deal with it early. Go to follow-up appointments as planned to check how well the condition is controlled.
When to see a doctor straight away
Call 120 (the emergency number in China) straight away if they find it hard to speak, are breathing fast, have blue lips, do not improve after reliever medicine, or are clearly less alert or drowsy. Writing down what happens during an attack can help the doctor adjust the plan at follow-up.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.