It can be a challenge to diagnose infants with asthma, although it becomes considerably easier in cases of the condition being inherited. Many pediatricians are reluctant to diagnose a baby with asthma, holding out hope that the symptoms will clear up on their own without having to resort to using medication for years to come. Proper treatment for the symptoms of asthma takes priority over diagnosing the condition. Asthma is a medical disorder that leads to the airways of a patient becoming constricted and inflamed. The most significant symptoms of asthma include: quick, short breaths, wheezing, and coughing which intensifies at nighttime.

Since infants do not have fully developed lungs and their airways tend to be small, diagnosing asthma is not an easy task. Infants are also unable to perform tests which establish lung functioning levels, presenting another challenge for doctors. In many cases, infants suffering from asthma symptoms are actually suffering from bronchitis, a condition caused by an upper respiratory infection.

In cases of a viral infection, babies cough or spit up green or yellow mucus, but the symptoms typically go away on their own with no lasting effects. In cases where the symptoms persist regularly, asthma is the most likely cause. Fortunately, the symptoms of asthma can be effectively treated. Nebulizers are prescribed to infants with asthma, which contain medication which the baby inhales in order to aid with breathing. Infant nebulizers come with a face mask and a hose, which help the baby to inhale the medication. There are other types of nebulizers that come with a spacer with a little face mask which connects right onto an inhaler.

Upon being pressed, the inhaler releases medication that travels through the spacer and into the child’s nose and mouth. Generally speaking, there are two different types of asthma medications. The first type is intended for long term use and aims to prevent or minimize the occurrence of asthma attacks. The second type is intended to be an immediate aid for asthma symptoms. A number of children require anti-inflammatory medication on a daily basis to stop asthma symptoms prior to them starting.