What is a common sign that may indicate a child has asthma?

A common sign that may indicate a child has asthma is frequent coughing, particularly at night or during physical activity. This coughing can arise due to the inflammation of the airways, which is a hallmark of asthma. Children with asthma may experience a persistent cough that can be worse when they’re laughing, exercising, or sleeping, often interrupting their sleep patterns. This symptom is a key indicator that points toward the presence of asthma as it directly relates to airway obstruction and bronchial hyperreactivity, typical characteristics in asthmatic conditions.

Other signs such as sudden weight loss, increased appetite, or regular skin rashes are not typical indicators of asthma in children. Weight concerns or appetite changes may relate to other medical conditions, while skin rashes might suggest an allergic reaction or another dermatological issue rather than a respiratory condition like asthma.