How do i know if my child is suffereing from bronchitis or asthma?

Difficult problem: Asthma is caused by narrowing of the airways (bronchioles). This can occur as the result of airway swelling or airway muscle constriction. Both factors can be involved when when a child wheezes. Viral bronchiolitis is a common cause of wheezing in young kids but may not truely be asthma. Asthma can be triggered by multiple factors: allergy, infections, cold air, exercise, chemical exposures etc.

More on asthma: Wheezing that is caused by airway constriction can usually be improved by the use of a "rescue" medications such as albuterol. Sometimes albuterol is used for both bronchiolitis and asthma. Asthma causes wheezing when a person expires (blows out), wheezing that occurs with inspiration only may suggest upper airway swelling from viral croup or acid reflux problems.