If your child shows any of the following signs or symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician immediately.
Chronic or recurrent cough, when unproductive – i.e., unable to clear the airways – could be a sign of a serious lung condition.
Wheezing is a high-pitched sound made when inhaling and exhaling, caused by a narrowing of the airways through tissue growth, inflammation, excess secretions, or a foreign object.
Shortness of breath could be a result of anxiety or over-exertion, but could also be caused by many problems within the respiratory system.
Chest pain usually points to a problem with the lungs, the heart, or the muscles and bones within the chest. Always take your child to a doctor if he is experiencing chest pain.
Bluish discoloration of the skin means that the blood is not receiving enough oxygen. It may appear suddenly or gradually over time.
Swelling in the arms, legs, or ankles could indicate lung disease. While swelling is more commonly associated with heart disease, the lungs and heart are often both affected by the same condition.
Heavy breathing on exertion means more than the usual breathing that comes from exercise. If your child is getting winded easily and can’t catch her breath, she should see a doctor.