What finding may suggest that a child with asthma is experiencing an exacerbation?

Increased frequency of wheezing is a key indicator that a child with asthma is experiencing an exacerbation. Wheezing is typically associated with inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing. When wheezing becomes more frequent, it signifies that the asthma is not well-controlled and that the child may be facing increased airway obstruction.

Exacerbations can be triggered by various factors such as allergens, respiratory infections, or exercise, and they typically result in more pronounced symptoms, including frequent wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Monitoring for such changes in symptoms is crucial for managing asthma effectively.

In contrast, findings such as stable lung function tests indicate that the child’s asthma is under control, and improvements in exercise tolerance suggest a better overall condition. A reduction in the use of rescue inhalers usually signifies less need for relief medication, indicating effective asthma management rather than an exacerbation. Therefore, the increased frequency of wheezing stands out as a clear signal of an exacerbation in this scenario.