Early Warning Signals of Asthma

You and your child can become experts in spotting the early signals of Asthma. Maybe you're experts already! As one alert parent said to her child: "Asthma may not be a friend, but if it's an enemy, at least it isn't sneaky. It always gives a warning."

Every child with asthma has a built-in early warning system that signals when symptoms are on the way. Those signals can be seen, heard, and felt. Every child has his or own pattern of signals. But parents and children can make keen observation a habit and learn how to recognize those patterns -- the body's messages to get going and head off those symptoms before they get bad.

What to Look for:

• Anxious or scared look
• Cough
• Unusual paleness or sweating
• Flared nostrils when the child tries to get some air
• Pursed lips breathing
• Fast breathing
• Vomiting
• Hunched-over body posture; the child can't stand or sit straight and can't relax
• Restlessness during sleep
• Fatigue that isn't related to working or playing hard
• The notch just above the child's Adam's apple; when some children are having an asthma episode, this notch sinks in as they breathe in
• Spaces between the ribs; these areas may sink in when the child breathes in

What to Listen for:

• Coughing when the child has no cold
• Clearing of the throat a lot
• Irregular Breathing
• Wheezing, however light
• Noisy, difficult breathing

How to Listen:

• Put your ear to the child's back and your hand on his or her chest. You'll feel the chest go up as the child inhales, drawing in air, and you'll feel the chest go down as the child exhales, releasing air.
• Listen for squeaking or any unusual noises. They may mean asthma, bronchitis, or a chest infection. Only a doctor can tell for sure. So regard any noisy breathing as a signal that help may be necessary.
• Note: If the child is having symptoms and there are no chest sounds, it's a sign of a bad, fixed chest that requires medical attention. Call your doctor immediately.

What to do Immediately:

• Reassure the child by your tone of voice, your attitude of being able to manage, your confidence. All those qualities are catching. Your child will take cues from you and relax.
• If the doctor has recommended a medicine when signals appear, use it. (Don’t give the child a special dose unless the doctor said to).
• Encourage normal fluid intake. Excessive fluid intake may be counterproductive.

by Molly Mazanec, MSN, RN, CPNP, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, SSMC Wellness/Disease Management