Early Warning Signs of Asthma
For people who suffer from Asthma, learning their built-in “early warning systems” of an attack can head off those symptoms before they become critical.
Parents may already be experts at spotting signals that may indicate early signals of an attack. Children with Asthma often exhibit a pattern of distress signals. Zoning in on these signals and acting immediately when they occur can prevent full-blown asthma attacks or events.
Look for:
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Fast breathing
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Anxious or scared look
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Flared nostrils when the child tries to get air
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Pursed lips breathing
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Vomiting
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Fatigue that isn’t related to working or playing hard
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Hunched-over body posture, child can’t stand or sit straight and relax
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The notch above the child’s Adam’s apple; this notch may sink as they breathe in if they are experiencing an asthma episode
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Unusual paleness or sweating
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Spaces between the ribs may sink when the child breathes in
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Restlessness during sleep
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Coughing, especially at night
Listen for:
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Noisy, difficult breathing
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Wheezing
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Irregular breathing
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Coughing
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Clearing throat frequently
Listen carefully like this:
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Put your ear to child’s back and your hand on their chest. You’ll feel chest go up as the child inhales, drawing in air and chest will go down as the child exhales.
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Listen for squeaking, wheezing or any unusual noises. They may mean asthma, bronchitis or chest infection. Noisy breathing is a signal that treatment may be necessary.
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If there are no chest sounds it’s a sign of a bad, fixed chest that requires medical attention. Call your doctor immediately.
Act Immediately:
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Calm your child, help them to relax
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Use prescribed medication as recommended when signals appear
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Encourage fluid intake
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Find out the that trigger was and remove it; or remove child from area
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Call the doctor if symptoms do not subside
Signs of an Emergency
Get help immediately (Call 911) or take your child to the hospital if your child exhibits any of these signs.
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Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath gets worse, even after medicine has been given time to work. Most bronchodialator medications produce an effect in 5 to 10 minutes.
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Child has a difficult time breathing – check the following
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Chest and neck are pulled or sucked in with each breath
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Struggling to get air
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Child has trouble walking or talking, stops playing and can not start again
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Peak flow rate gets lower, or does not improve after treatment with bronchodialators, or drops to 50% less than your child’s personal best. Discuss peak flow with your child’s doctor
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Lips or fingernails turn blue or gray. Go to the emergency room immediately if this occurs
Click here for tool to track Allergies and Symptoms
Click here for American Lung Association's Astham Action Plan
