In infants and children, asthma may appear as:

•Wheezing (whistling sound) when breathing
•Coughing
•Rapid breathing
•Labored breathing
•Complaints of chest hurting
•Reduced energy
•Feeling weak or tired

Some children have symptoms only when exercising or playing a sport. This is called exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Risk factors for developing childhood asthma include:

•Allergies
•Family history of allergies and/or asthma
•Frequent respiratory infections
•Low birth weight
•Second-hand smoke before and/or after birth
•Growing up in an urban environment