Daily Southtown reports that asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood yet one of the most under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated childhood diseases.

Signs of an asthma attack include wheezing, coughing, gasping for air, and struggling to breathe.

A persistent cough, especially late at night, is the most common symptom of childhood asthma.

Allergist Dr. Amee Majmundar says, "Any child who coughs after running, crying or exposure to cold air, or has a recurrent cough or respiratory infections, should be evaluated for asthma. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, especially during exercise; chest congestion; chest tightness and a high-pitched wheezing sound when breathing. In infants, look for a rattling cough, rapid breathing and an excessive number of chest colds, or recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis."

See our Asthma Solution Guide for more information about childhood asthma.