[Pick! Health] If a Cough Lasts Over Two Weeks in Changing Seasons, Suspect 'Childhood Asthma'

21.4% of Asthma Patients Are Children Aged 0–9

Unlike Colds, No Systemic Symptoms

Prolonged Cough and Allergies

"If Cough Persists for Over Two Weeks, Seek Medical Care"

The changing season in autumn is a time when respiratory diseases increase among children, whose immune systems are not yet fully developed. This is due to significant daily temperature fluctuations, dry air, and the presence of pollen. If a child coughs every night or if their cough persists for a prolonged period despite taking cold medicine, it is important to consider the possibility of 'childhood asthma' rather than just a simple cold.

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The Largest Proportion of Asthma Patients Are Aged 0–9...Do Not Confuse with the Common Cold

According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service on September 5, among all asthma patients over the past three years (2023–2025), children aged 0 to 9 accounted for approximately 21.4%, the highest ratio among all age groups.

Childhood asthma often has early symptoms similar to those of the common cold, making it difficult for parents and caregivers to distinguish between the two. Therefore, rather than just checking for the presence of a cough, it is important to observe whether the child also has systemic symptoms, such as fever, and to note when and under what circumstances the cough repeats.

Professor Kim Juhee of Kyung Hee University Hospital’s Department of Pediatrics said, "Compared to adults, children have a narrower airway diameter, their mucociliary clearance function, and immune system are immature, making them much more vulnerable to environmental changes and external irritants. In particular, the cool and dry air during the change of seasons can narrow the bronchial tubes and reduce respiratory immunity responsible for filtering foreign substances, so extra caution is needed."

The common cold, which is caused by a viral infection, accompanies systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and chills for the first two to three days, but usually improves within one to two weeks. On the other hand, childhood asthma is characterized by a prolonged or recurrent cough without fever or other systemic symptoms, along with allergic symptoms such as itchy eyes and nose or sneezing, which can last from several weeks to several months.

It is particularly important to pay attention to when and under what circumstances the cough becomes worse. Professor Kim emphasized, "If a child’s cough becomes noticeably severe at night or early in the morning, during exercise or running, or after breathing in cold air, and if a wheezing sound is heard while breathing, childhood asthma should be suspected. Inhaled steroids and other treatments should be used consistently to manage chronic inflammation of the airways. This helps prevent the progression to adult asthma and preserves healthy lung function during childhood."

If Cough Persists for Over Two Weeks Despite Cold Medicine, Seek Medical Care

For childhood asthma, it is important to manage the living environment along with proper medication. If a child’s cough continues for more than two weeks even after taking cold medicine, do not dismiss it as just a simple cold. Instead, visit a pediatrician to accurately determine the cause.

Exposure to allergy-inducing substances such as house dust mites should also be minimized. Bedding should be washed regularly in hot water, and the use of plush toys or thick carpets, which can easily accumulate dust, should be kept to a minimum. Encourage the child to drink lukewarm water in small amounts frequently, rather than cold drinks, to prevent the airways from drying out.

It is also important to pay close attention to the child's breathing and coughing patterns, as sudden coughing fits or breathing difficulties can arise. If a child becomes short of breath and speaks in interrupted sentences, or if an infant cannot feed properly due to breathing difficulties, they should seek medical attention immediately. In particular, if the child is gasping for breath, or if you notice that the area above the collarbone or below the ribs sinks in while breathing, these could be signs of severe respiratory distress and immediate emergency care is necessary.

Professor Kim advised, "To maintain respiratory health during the changing seasons, keep indoor temperatures around 22°C and humidity around 50% to reduce irritation to the airway mucosa. Wearing a mask when going outdoors helps shield children from exposure to cold and dry air. Consistent environmental management, along with proper medication, is the key to preventing the worsening of asthma symptoms."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.