Kentucky environmental attorney Sanders says, "know the warning signs of asthma in children."

Asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness in children. It affects as many as 10%-12% of children in the U.S. and, for unknown reasons, is steadily increasing. It can begin at any age, but most children have their first symptoms by age 5. No one really knows why more and more children are developing asthma.

An asthma attack is when your lungs aren’t getting enough air to breathe. Your child might be having an asthma attack if he or she has:
Trouble breathing
Wheezing
Coughing
Chest pain
Chest tightness

Signs and symptoms of asthma to look for in children include:

· Frequent coughing spells, which may occur during play, at night, or while laughing.
· Less energy during play
· Rapid breathing
· Complaint of chest tightness or chest "hurting"
· Whistling sound (wheezing) when breathing in or out
· See-saw motions (retractions) in the chest from labored breathing
· Shortness of breath, loss of breath
· Tightened neck and chest muscles
· Feelings of weakness or tiredness
· Dark circles under the eyes
· Frequent headaches
· Loss of appetite