Could child's cough be asthma?

A respiratory specialist nurse tells LISA SALMON about the telltale signs of childhood asthma

- LISA SALMON

LOTS of children have coughs at this time of year caused by viruses or hay fever.

But if their cough persists, there’s a chance it could be sparked by the most common long-term condition among children asthma.

Asthma Lung UK A+LUK) points out that around 1.1 million children and young people in the UK are currently being treated for asthma that’s around two children in every classroom.

“Children can cough for a variety of reasons, so it’s important to look at the whole picture,’ stresses Deborah Waddell, a respiratory specialist nurse at A+LUK.

“All children will have a cough at some point in their lives when they get a cold or virus, particularly when they first start mixing with other children at nursery or school.

“Talking to a doctor or nurse about the nature of the cough such as whether it’s wet or dry, when it happens, or what makes it worse or better can help provide important clues as to why they may be coughing.”