My six-year old has begun taking very deep sighs and complains of difficulty getting enough air. I'd like to know why. Could it be asthma? a nervous habit? something else?

Thanks for thoughts.

Sounds like asthma to me. Its hard to diagnose in little ones because they have different symptoms. Some start with a cough, some with the deep breaths as you state.

How long has it been going on?

Could it be tight chest muscles from recent exercise?

I agree with Shel. I know when I feel the onset of an Asthma attact I find myself taking in deep breaths yet not feeling like I am getting any oxygen into my lungs. A simple spirometer test will show the doctor what the lung capacity is.

Thanks for the replies.

He's just seemed to have this breathing difficulty for the past few weeks. It doesn't seem to come from exercise, however.

Then there are other bronchial issues which could be a cause or the real under lying issue.

What ever the cause, you should really see a doctor who can diagnose and treat the condition before it gets worse and prevent any damage to the bronchial tubes and lungs that might be taking place due to what ever is causing this.

I once had this condition. When I went to a doctor, he diagnosed me with "air hunger." I felt like a fool; I wasn't getting enough air due to being cooped up indoors with the windows closed. Try better ventilation, and if this does not work, then take him to his doctor.