What Are the Symptoms of Childhood Asthma?

Childhood asthma is a long-term condition where a child’s airways become inflamed and narrow, making it harder to breathe [1]. It can start at any age but often begins in early childhood. Some children may grow out of it, while others continue to have symptoms as they get older [2][3].

What are the common signs of asthma in children?

The main symptoms of asthma in children include [4]:

Frequent coughing – especially at night, in the early morning, or after playing
Wheezing – a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing out
Shortness of breath – struggling to catch their breath or keep up with others
Chest tightness – a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the chest

Can asthma symptoms in children be different from adults?

Yes. In younger children, symptoms can be harder to spot. You might notice:

Regular coughing fits, especially when laughing or running
Less energy or stopping play to catch their breath
Trouble sleeping due to coughing or breathing problems
Complaints of a sore tummy instead of chest pain
Symptoms after exposure to triggers like cold air or pet dander

What triggers asthma symptoms in children?

Common triggers include:

Colds and viral infections
Dust mites, pollen, or animal fur
Cold or damp air
Exercise without proper warm-up
Smoke or pollution
Strong smells such as perfume or cleaning sprays

When should you see a doctor?

Speak to a GP or asthma nurse if your child:

Has frequent coughing or wheezing
Gets out of breath easily during play
Wakes up at night due to coughing or breathing problems
Needs to use a reliever inhaler more than 3 times a week

Early diagnosis and treatment can help your child lead a healthy and active life.

How is childhood asthma treated?

Most children are treated with:

A reliever inhaler (usually blue) to quickly open the airways during symptoms
A preventer inhaler (usually brown or orange) to reduce inflammation if symptoms are regular
An asthma action plan to help manage triggers and treatment

Spacers are often used with inhalers to make them easier for children to use and help the medicine get into the lungs.

Key Takeaways

Childhood asthma causes coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
Symptoms may be worse at night, early morning, or after playing.
Triggers include colds, allergies, cold air, and smoke.
Treatment usually includes reliever and preventer inhalers with the help of a spacer.
Speak to a GP if you notice breathing problems in your child – early care makes a big difference.

Reminder: Asthma in children is common and manageable. With the right treatment and support, most children with asthma can live active and healthy lives.

Sources

[1] Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Trust - Childhood Asthma

[2] Can asthma go away? - UK Meds

[3] Lizzo JM, Goldin J, Cortes S. Pediatric Asthma. [Updated 2024 May 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551631/

[4] Martin J, Townshend J, Brodlie M. Diagnosis and management of asthma in children. BMJ Paediatr Open. 2022 Apr;6(1):e001277. doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001277. PMID: 35648804; PMCID: PMC9045042.

Childhood Asthma Symptoms