Symptoms of asthma in infants

Symptoms of asthma in infants: When wheezing recurs

The diagnosis "bronchial asthma" is extremely rarely made in children under 2-3 years old. This is because the symptoms typical for asthma (wheezing, cough, shortness of breath) in infants are most often caused by viral infections such as bronchiolitis. However, in some children, especially with a strong family history, recurrent episodes of obstruction (bronchial narrowing) can be the first signs of developing asthma.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in which the bronchi are hyperreactive. In response to certain irritants (triggers) they constrict sharply (bronchospasm) and produce excess mucus, which causes the characteristic symptoms.

"Atopic march": Eczema, allergy and asthma

There is a close link between asthma and other atopic diseases. Often a child exhibits the so‑called "atopic march":

1. In the first months of life, eczema (atopic dermatitis) appears.
2. Later, food allergy develops.
3. And after one to two years, respiratory symptoms appear — allergic rhinitis and asthma.

The presence of eczema and allergy in the child, as well as asthma in the parents, significantly increases the risk of developing this disease.

Symptoms that should raise concern

Possible development of asthma in an infant may be indicated by:

• Recurrent episodes of wheezing — more than 3-4 times per year, especially if they occur not only during an upper respiratory infection but also outside of it.
• Chronic, persistent cough that worsens at night, during laughing, crying or physical activity.
• Appearance of symptoms in response to specific triggers: contact with animals, dust, tobacco smoke, cold air.
• Good response to trial treatment with inhaled bronchodilating medications (bronchodilators).

If you notice similar symptoms in your child, it is a reason to consult a pediatrician and a pediatric allergist or pulmonologist for further diagnosis and therapy selection.