Is it asthma or a cold or the flu?

Viral infections, like the common cold and influenza, can trigger an asthma attack. The symptoms of asthma, a common cold, and the flu are easily confused—so it is important to rely on an expert’s opinion—such as your child’s doctor to determine the difference between them.

The most common symptoms of asthma are coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and chest congestion. Since these symptoms are so similar to the common cold and flu, many caregivers fail to recognize them and leave them unattended. Because your child’s well being is your top priority, it is very important to learn to recognize the symptoms that are most common with asthma. To help you identify them, use this chart to compare the symptoms listed with your child’s symptoms.

Learn about asthma symptoms: Quiet and Loud

Some symptoms of asthma are loud, or obvious, such as coughing and wheezing. But there are other quiet, more subtle symptoms you need to look for too:

• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Restlessness during sleep
• Unusual paleness
• Sweating or anxiety

It is helpful to think about asthma symptoms as not only things you can hear, but also as things you can see.

Asthma Screening Programs

The way to know if your child may have asthma is to see his or her doctor. You can also visit one of the asthma screening events that are held throughout the country. Click here

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