Asthma blocks or constricts the body's airways. It is a common in children under 18; the majority develop symptoms by age 6 and some children have symptoms before their third birthday. Infants feel asthma particularly strongly because their airways are much smaller. But diagnosing the disease may be difficult, as it shares symptoms with other common childhood breathing problems.

Listen to the Child Breathe

Noisy and fast breathing are signs of asthma in infants. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, abnormal noises include wheezing and panting. As for fast respiration, breathing 50 percent above the normal rate suggests the presence of asthma. Newborns normally take 30 to 60 breaths a minute, one-year-olds take 20 to 40, and two-year-olds take 20 to 30.

Listen to the Child Cry

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma alters the sound of a child's cry. The cry may become softer or take on a different tone.

Observe the Child's Activities

Asthma causes infants to tire easily. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, infants with asthma will act lethargic and show a lack of interest in their favorite things.

Consult a Doctor

Children with symptoms of asthma or other breathing disorders must see a doctor. Only a doctor can make a proper diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Even doctors have difficulty diagnosing asthma in infants because at that stage of life, the disease's symptoms fit many other common breathing disorders. Diagnosis is especially hard because infants do not cooperate with lung-function tests.

Emergency Symptoms

Watch for serious symptoms, and seek emergency help when they occur. These include breathing faster than 50 percent above normal, difficulty with eating that leads to refusal of food and bluish face, lips and fingernails. Further serious symptoms include fast flaring of the nostrils, fast, deep movement of the ribs and stomach, and failure of the chest to deflate when the child exhales. Infants with severe symptoms may fail to recognize or respond to their parents.

Source:

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Asthma in Infants

kidshealth.org: Wheezing and Asthma in Infants