Asthma-related coughs in children are common, and various situations can trigger them. Recognizing the signs of asthma and its triggers can aid with diagnosis and lead to treatment that can reduce flare-ups.

Coughing is a common symptom of asthma, especially in children. But coughing is a symptom that overlaps with respiratory illness and various other health issues, so diagnosing asthma can be challenging.

Paying close attention to your child’s cough — how it sounds and when it most often occurs — can provide important clues for identifying its cause.

Here’s a closer look at what a cough associated with asthma may sound like, what triggers it, and what you can do to reduce the frequency and severity of your child’s asthma issues.

A cough on its own does not mean your child has asthma. That said, certain features of a cough may be linked to the condition.

For example, if the cough is triggered by cold weather or by exercise, it may be asthma. Similarly, if the cough happens mostly at night, that’s another potential sign of asthma.

Coughs with asthma may sound dry without much mucus or they may be barking, hacking, and harsh. Sometimes the cough may be accompanied by wheezing, especially when your child is exhaling.

Asthma happens when the airways in the lungs become inflamed and sensitive. This inflammation causes the airways to narrow, making breathing difficult.

Airways may also react strongly to various triggers, including:

Preventing cough in kids with asthma isn’t always possible. But you can manage the condition and lessen the frequency and severity of symptoms.

Children whose asthma is well-managed are much less likely to have an ongoing cough, and a persistent cough may be a sign that a child’s asthma is flaring up.

Tips for managing cough:

  • identifying your child’s triggers and avoiding them when possible
  • using air purifiers and other measures in the home to reduce environmental triggers
  • having your child’s rescue medications on hand at all times for emergencies
  • taking all other medications as prescribed to manage inflammation
  • knowing that illness (like colds or the flu) can trigger symptoms and getting medical attention as needed
  • keeping up with regular monitoring to adjust medications as necessary

What to do if you think it’s an asthma emergency

The best way to help during an asthma emergency is to have an asthma action plan in writing and follow it.

During an asthma attack

Quickly assess the child’s symptoms:

  • Are they having difficulty breathing?
  • Are they unable to work or play?
  • Is their medication not helping?
  • Are they getting worse instead of better?
  • Is their peak flow meter less than 50% of their personal best?

If any of the above are true, give their quick-relief medication immediately and call their doctor.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if any of the following warning signs are present:

  • They have shortness of breath, and it’s making it hard for them to walk or talk.
  • Their lips or fingernails are blue.
  • They are still in the red zone of their action plan after 15 minutes.

Developing an asthma care plan

Discussing an asthma emergency is a good idea. The best way to address an asthma emergency is to already have an asthma action plan in place. When completed with your child’s doctor, this plan outlines emergency assessment and care for your child specifically.

There is no single treatment for asthma that works for all kids. Your doctor will help you create an individualized asthma action plan. This document will tell you the steps to take — including medications, dosages, and emergency signs — depending on how severely your child’s breathing is affected.

Medical treatments

Rescue inhalers (quick relief) relax the muscles around the airways and swiftly manage symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath during an asthma attack. Inhalers should be kept on hand at all times and used at the first sign of your child’s symptoms.

Other medications to manage asthma may include:

Most asthma medications are delivered through an inhaler or an inhaler with a spacer. Young children or those with severe symptoms may use a machine called a nebulizer, which delivers medications in a mist through a tube and mask.

Home remedies

Along with medications, you can reduce asthma triggers within your home to help manage your child’s asthma cough. Keep in mind that no home remedies or prevention tips will help if your child is already having an asthma attack.

You can do the following to help minimize asthma triggers in your home:

  • using a humidifier, air conditioner, or both to keep air moisture between 35% and 50%
  • using air purifiers to reduce allergens in the air
  • eliminating secondhand smoke in your home
  • regularly cleaning spaces with a HEPA filter to minimize allergens, dust mites, and mold
  • keeping pets out of bedroom areas to reduce your child’s exposure to dander
  • keeping windows closed during high pollen, ozone, or wildfire smoke days

With proper management, kids with asthma can lead full and healthy lives. In fact, many children with asthma can still participate in typical activities, including sports, when their condition is managed well.

Signs that asthma is not well-managed may include:

  • coughing more at night
  • low appetite
  • tiredness
  • irritability
  • moodiness

The key to a good outcome is avoiding triggers, using medications as needed, and monitoring for any warning signs that require immediate medical attention.

Regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals can help ensure that your child’s asthma action plan stays current and effective.

Children with asthma may not cough every single night, but persistently coughing at night is often a sign of asthma.

Doctors diagnose asthma through a combination of a person’s medical history, physical exams, and lung function tests. In some children, allergy testing may be done as part of asthma management.

Asthma is a long-term disease, meaning it’s not something a child outgrows. Some young kids may wheeze with respiratory illness, receive a diagnosis of asthma, and stop wheezing around the time they are 6 years old. This means the doctor made an incorrect diagnosis, not that they outgrew the condition.

A persistent cough may be the first sign you notice if your child has asthma. Make an appointment with your pediatrician if you have concerns about a cough, even if it seems linked to a respiratory infection.

You can help manage your child’s asthma by avoiding triggers, giving medications as prescribed, and following an individualized action plan.