Asthma Interval Symptoms

Key points about asthma interval symptoms

• interval symptoms are asthma symptoms that happen between asthma attacks 
• interval symptoms include breathlessness, a nighttime cough, and wheezing or coughing with exercise 
• needing to use a reliever inhaler more than twice a week may also mean your child has interval symptoms
• tamariki and rangatahi with interval symptoms may need a change in their asthma treatment  
• ask your child's doctor for an asthma action plan to help manage their interval symptoms 

What are interval symptoms? 

Many tamariki and rangatahi get no symptoms between asthma attacks. But, some tamariki get asthma symptoms between asthma attacks. These symptoms are called interval symptoms.

Some tamariki may have interval symptoms a couple of times a week, or as much as every day. If your child has interval symptoms, they may need a regular preventer inhaler. Or, they may need an increase or a  change in their asthma treatment. Talk to your doctor.

Signs that your child has interval symptoms include: 

• coughing at night
• wheezing or coughing with exercise
• feeling breathless
• needing to use a reliever inhaler more than twice a week

See the KidsHealth's page on asthma to learn more about the condition

What causes interval symptoms?

Interval symptoms are caused by inflammation in the airways of the lungs. This inflammation leads to narrowing of the airways. Interval symptoms can be triggered by things like exercise and cold or damp air.

How are interval symptoms different from other asthma symptoms? 

There are 2 types of asthma symptoms - those that happen during an asthma attack and those that happen between asthma attacks. Interval symptoms are the symptoms that happen between asthma attacks. 

During an asthma attack, your child’s symptoms will be worse.

See the KidsHealth's page on asthma attacks to learn more

What should I do if my child is getting frequent interval symptoms?

If your child has lots of interval symptoms, they may need a regular preventer inhaler. Or, they may need an increase or a  change in their asthma treatment. Talk to your doctor.

If your child has none or very few interval symptoms, this suggests their asthma treatment is working well. 

See the KidsHealth's page on asthma medicine to learn more about relievers and preventers

How can my child’s interval symptoms be improved? 

The best way to improve interval symptoms is to make sure your child has a good asthma action plan. Ask your child's doctor or nurse for an asthma action plan. This will be specific to your child. 

Having an asthma action plan means you can be confident to use the medicines your child needs for their asthma. This is both for their day-to-day symptoms as well as during an asthma attack. It is a good idea to review the asthma plan every year.

There are very good asthma treatments available. You can stop asthma from interfering with your child's life, including enjoyment of sports and play.

Take a look at the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation website for an example of what a blank asthma plan looks like (it's available in English, te reo Māori, Samoan and Tongan). 

See more KidsHealth content on asthma

See the KidsHealth's section on asthma