When most people think of a child with asthma, they think of wheezing. But wheezing is only one sign of the disease and often not the most prevalent sign. Frequent coughing is a more common symptom of childhood asthma, particularly coughing at night or after physical activity or crying, and any child who coughs regularly should be evaluated for asthma. Chest tightness, shortness of breath, and frequent bouts of respiratory infections are also common symptoms, and in infants, a rattly cough and rapid breathing may be a sign of asthma. But only a doctor can know for sure whether these symptoms, which can occur with other respiratory illnesses as well, are really asthma.