Asthma in a Child: How To Recognize It and What To Do

28 de octubre de 2025

3 min de lectura

For a long time, it was thought that asthma was a strictly "adult" disease, but in recent years, doctors are increasingly diagnosing asthma in children. How do you look out for it in children, and what should you do if you suspect it?

Puntos clave

For a long time, it was thought that asthma was a strictly "adult" disease, but in recent years, doctors are increasingly diagnosing asthma in children.
Up to 3 years of age
From 3 to 7 years of age

Para quién es

Personas que exploran Pediatría a través de asma, children.

Por qué importa

Este artículo te ayuda a orientarte rápidamente y luego avanzar a una colección o serie si quieres seguir profundizando.

Autor del artículo

Dra. Helga

Médico general

Let's start with the good news: according to statistics, most children who have been diagnosed with asthma outgrow the condition sometime after puberty. However, there is currently no prevention or cure for asthma. There are only ways to reduce the likelihood of its severe course and reduce the effects of the attacks. In other words, asthma itself can go away, but doctors have not yet learned how to cure it.

Up to 3 years of age

The symptoms of asthma differ from acute respiratory infections in the first manifestation of the disease. The difference is impossible for even an expert to distinguish, so the diagnosis of asthma is not officially made for children under three years of age. In most cases, a dry cough, breathing difficulties, and wheezing sounds in the chest — which are the familiar signs of asthma — go together with an acute respiratory infection or bacterial infection.

The likelihood of developing asthma will be higher if there are already asthmatics or allergists in the family, or if the child has already had allergic reactions, such as diathesis. Additionally, excessive cleanliness of the room where the baby lives may increase the risk of developing asthma. Statistically, asthma is 5 times more likely to develop in children who, in early childhood, had no contact with pets, did not visit public places, and are carefully guarded against any infections.

From 3 to 7 years of age

If a baby has bronchial obstruction (so called episodes of difficulty breathing with exhalation complications) more than 3 times a year, asthma may be suspected. It will be either allergic or non-allergic. In the first case, the attacks are provoked by contact with animals, plants, tobacco smoke, dust, exhaust fumes, and other irritants. With non-allergic asthma, attacks occur against a background of infection, during physical activity such as running or climbing stairs, or for no apparent reason.

Sometimes asthma appears as a dry cough at night but is not felt when the child is awake and active. At this age, an "asthmatic posture" should alert the parent: when coughing, the child leans forward, lowers his head, brings the shoulders together, and rounds the back. It is a reflex of the body reacting to a bronchial spasm.

Bronchitis with a characteristic cough is a reason to see a therapist, who will prescribe tests, examinations, and, if necessary, inhalation or medication to alleviate the condition. It is important to remember that asthma should be tolerated or waited out. The sooner the acute condition is relieved, the lower the risk of the disease becoming chronic.

Ages 7 to 15

The appearance of asthma during puberty in girls often coincides with the first menstruation, and in boys with the beginning of active growth. In addition to the symptoms listed above, typically the adolescent complains of fatigue, begins to walk slower, refuses to be active, and looks lethargic for no apparent reason.

Asthma attacks during puberty can be especially acute since adolescents often have strong feelings, strained relationships, etc. In this case, follow the same course of action—see a doctor and follow his or her recommendations. In most cases, once the hormonal restructuring of the body is complete, asthma will disappear without a trace.

Modern therapies allow asthmatics to lead a full life without any restrictions. Many people can have pets, spend a lot of time in nature, and play sports with pleasure.

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