How old do you have to be to get a diagnosis of asthma? How do I know if my toddler has it, and how can that affect his sleep?
In young children who cannot perform lung function tests, asthma can be hard to diagnose. Clues might include persistent cough at night, coughing or wheezing with physical activity or when laughing, and/or a strong family history of asthma and allergies. Asthma symptoms are often worse at night. The colder, dryer air or dust and allergens in the bedroom environment are potential triggers. It is wise to consult a health care provider to get a thorough assessment. Asthma is one of the chronic and common conditions that can be well treated, but can potentially worsen suddenly and unexpectedly.