Pediatric asthma

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Lungs

Normal versus asthmatic bronchiole

Peak flow meter

Asthma - pediatric

• Difficulty breathing
• Fast (rapid) breathing
• Shortness of breath, even at rest
• Tightness in the chest
• Cough

Note: A persistent night-time cough is one common sign of asthma, even in children without other symptoms.

Emergency symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Bluish color to the lips and face
• Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath
• Rapid pulse
• Sweating
• Decreased level of alertness, such as severe drowsiness or confusion

The doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to the lungs. Asthma-related sounds may be heard. However, lung sounds are usually normal between asthma episodes.

Tests may include:

• Lung function tests
• Peak flow measurements
• Chest x-ray
• Allergy skin or blood tests
• Arterial blood gas
• Eosinophil count (a type of white blood cell)

Review Date: 11/30/2006
Reviewed By: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.