View source for Physical Inactivity in Children with Asthma: A Resource for Physiotherapists

==== Symptoms  ====

While carrying out a subjective assessment for a child with asthma, it is important to understand the child’s opinion on his/her symptoms, the severity if they are able to communicate and the parent or guardians view on their symptoms. 
* Frequent, intermittent coughing – Children can have a persistent cough with an intermittent onset. If noticed by a parent It should be investigated. The child can also suffer from bouts of coughing which get worse when the child has respiratory [[Infection control|infection]]<ref name="Rubin et al. 1998.">Rubin BK, Newhouse MT, Barnes PJ. Conquering childhood asthma: An illustrated guide to understanding the treatment and control of childhood asthma. First Edition. Hamilton, Ontario: Empowering Press.</ref>.
* Wheezing sound when exhaling – Children often present with a wheezing sound on exhalation. This is a strong indication of asthma that may persist throughout childhood and adult life<ref name="Sears et al. 2003">Sears MR, Greene JM, Willan AR, Wiecek EM, Taylor DR, Flannery EM, Cowan JO, Herbison GP, Silva PA, Poulton R. A longitudinal, population based, cohort study of childhood asthma followed to adulthood. New England Journal of Medicine 2003;349:15:1414-22.</ref>. 
* Shortness of Breath –&nbsp;Struggling for breath even at rest and low levels of activity can be a symptom of asthma in children. Heavy and harsh breathing sounds are symptoms parents should look out for. 
* Fatigue – Asthma can cause children to sleep poorly, this can cause children to appear tired during the day even after having a full night’s sleep. This can affect performance and behaviour in school as well<ref name="Fagnano et al. 2011">Fagnano M, Bayer AL, Isensee CA, Hernandez T, Halterman JS. Nocturnal asthma symptoms and poor sleep quality amoung urban school children with asthma. Academic Pediatrics 2011;11:6:493-99.</ref>. 
* Chest pain &amp; tightness – Chest pain is particularly prevalent in younger children with asthma. Chest tightness can be accompanied by shortness of breath<ref name="Anas, 2007">Anas NG. Pediatric hospital medicine: Textbook of inpatient management. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Wolter Kluwer Health and Lippincott, Williams &amp; Wilkins, 2007.</ref>.