Breathing is so automatic that most of us don't even think about it — unless you notice your child struggling for air. Whether it's wheezing, allergies or a persistent cough, these and other symptoms could point to a case of asthma, which often starts before age 5. Trusted SourceNational Institutes of HealthAsthma in ChildrenSee All Sources [1] In fact, 1 in 12 children in the U.S. (or about six million) have this disease. Trusted SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAsthma in ...