Asthma symptoms in children ages 5 to 11

Common asthma symptoms in children ages 5 to 11 include:

• Coughing, especially at night.
• A high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing out, called wheezing.
• Trouble breathing.
• Chest pain, tightness or discomfort.
• Staying away from or losing interest in sports or physical activities.

Some children have few day-to-day symptoms, but they have serious asthma attacks now and then. Other children have mild symptoms or symptoms that get worse at certain times.

You may notice that your child's asthma symptoms get worse:

• At night or in the early morning.
• With activity.
• When your child has a cold.
• With triggers such as cigarette smoke or seasonal allergies.
• During strong emotional reactions, such as crying or laughing.