Paediatrics, by video or in person
Asthma in Children
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Asthma in Children
- Wheeze, a whistling sound when breathing out
- Cough that is worse at night, early in the morning or when running
- Breathlessness or a tight chest
- Symptoms that come with colds, dust, smoke or cold weather
- Missing school or play because of breathing
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
Asthma makes the airways narrow and swollen when they react to a trigger such as a cold, dust, smoke, cold air or exercise. In children it shows as wheeze, a cough at night or with play, and breathlessness. Not every child who wheezes with a cold has asthma, and in children under five there is no reliable breathing test, so doctors go by the pattern of symptoms and how the child responds to a trial of treatment, and review it regularly. Most children with asthma live normal, active lives when they use a preventer inhaler regularly and a spacer correctly.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Wheeze, a whistling sound when breathing out
- Cough that is worse at night, early in the morning or when running
- Breathlessness or a tight chest
- Symptoms that come with colds, dust, smoke or cold weather
- Missing school or play because of breathing
- Eczema or allergies, which often come with asthma
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now, or call 112, if your child is too breathless to talk, feed or walk, is breathing very fast or with the chest sucking in, has blue or grey lips, is drowsy or confused, or the reliever inhaler is not helping or is needed again within a few hours. See a doctor if your child wheezes or coughs at night more than now and then, needs the reliever inhaler several times a week, has missed school, or has needed steroid tablets or a hospital visit for breathing.
Treatment options
- A preventer inhaler, usually an inhaled steroid, used every day
- A reliever inhaler for symptoms
- A spacer, which helps the medicine reach the lungs; babies and toddlers use one with a mask
- A written asthma action plan for home and school
- Avoiding smoke, including cigarette smoke and smoke from cooking fires, and other triggers
- Regular review of inhaler technique and treatment
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Will my child outgrow asthma?
Some children wheeze only with colds when they are young and grow out of it. Others keep asthma into adult life. Regular review shows which pattern your child has, and treatment can be stepped down when symptoms settle.
Are steroid inhalers safe for children?
Yes. The dose in an inhaler is small and goes mostly to the lungs. Uncontrolled asthma is a greater risk to a child than a preventer used as prescribed, and the doctor uses the lowest dose that controls symptoms.
Can asthma be reviewed by video?
A routine review often can. The doctor asks about symptoms, watches your child use the inhaler and spacer, and updates the action plan. A child having an asthma attack needs a hospital, not a call.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified paediatrics specialist near you.
Paediatrics in Lagos →Paediatrics in Abuja →Paediatrics in Port Harcourt →Paediatrics in Jos →Paediatrics in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management (BTS, NICE, SIGN) (NG245). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Asthma. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 24 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.