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Every time the seasons change, many parents worry whether their children’s persistent cough or wheezing is simply a cold or a sign of something more serious. Childhood asthma is often mistaken for a common respiratory infection, leading to delayed treatment.
On the NTDTV (a sister channel of The Epoch Times) program “She Health,” Dr. Lin Kun-huang, director of Chung Jen Clinic, urged parents to pay attention to symptoms such as persistent coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing—especially if they worsen at night or in the early morning, or last for more than two weeks. These may be warning signs, and parents should seek professional evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.
The Myth That Children Outgrow Asthma
Many parents misunderstand the real nature of asthma, believing that children “won’t wheeze as they grow up,” Lin said. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics tracked more than 30,000 children diagnosed with asthma before age 6. Nearly half of the children experienced remission by age 12, but some cases persisted or worsened. The study found that children hospitalized for asthma in their first year after diagnosis had a three times higher risk of persistent asthma by age 12 compared to other children.
Arthur Zhang is a reporter for The Epoch Times. He is a U.S. veteran who holds an M.A. in history and international relations.
