It isn't easy to identify symptoms and triggers of asthma in infants and toddlers. The fact that they are unable to express themselves with words further complicates matters.

So how can you tell for sure?

The common symptoms of asthma include, coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. However, there are certain subtle signs that can be misdiagnosed by as a simple cold and thus ignored.

Some subtle signs to watch out for are:

• Night time coughing
• A cough that worsens on doing any activity
• A chronic cough that won't go away, even with medications
• Wheezing is often mistaken for a viral infection but shouldn't be ignored.

If your child's wheezing is accompanied by a cough, runny nose and fever, then he may have bronchitis and not asthma.

See the Signs

• Noisy and quickened breathing
• Wheezing or panting
• Lethargy and disinterest in normal activity
• Difficulty eating or sucking
• Very pale or blue colouring of the face, lips and fingernails
• Crying is softer than usual

If you notice any of these changes in your baby's behaviour, take her to a doctor.

Remember to tell your paediatrician about family medical history on asthma or allergies, your child's behaviour, his responses to food, possible allergy triggers, etc. This will help with a correct diagnosis.

Blood tests, allergy testing and x-rays may be done to gather additional information.

Treatment for Young Children

The medication for infants and toddlers with asthma is usually the same as that for older children and adults. The dosage, of course, is lower. Inhaled medications are preferred because they act more rapidly and produce fewer side effects.

Precautions or Steps to Reduce Asthma

You can reduce the onset of asthma by controlling allergy triggers in your child's environment.

• Wash bed linen daily in warm water.
• Use washable area carpets.
• Buy washable stuffed toys for your child.
• Don't allow pets in your child's room.
• Dust your house frequently.
• Don't allow smoking in the house.
• Check for any allergic reactions to food and avoid those food items.

Outgrowing Asthma

"Most kids tend to outgrow asthma when they reach adolescence," informs Dr. Kondekar. "As a child's airway matures, he is better able to handle irritants and airway inflammation."

However, there are chances of it reappearing in varying degrees when your child reaches adulthood. So you must be careful to avoid trigger factors at all times.