In a child with asthma, which finding is associated with wheezing?

Wheezing is primarily associated with the narrowing of the airways, which is commonly seen in asthma. When wheezing is present on expiration, it reflects the difficulty that a child is experiencing while exhaling air due to inflamed or constricted bronchi. This is a hallmark sign in asthma, as the condition often leads to airflow obstruction, particularly during the expiratory phase of breathing.

In contrast, inspiratory stridor is typically associated with upper airway obstruction and conditions like croup or severe allergic reactions but is not characteristic of asthma. The notion that wheezing only occurs during coughing episodes does not accurately represent the nature of wheezing in asthma. Furthermore, high-pitched wheezes occurring only at night would be misleading because wheezing in asthma can occur at any time, especially when the condition is exacerbated during activities such as exercise or exposure to allergens, regardless of the time of day.

Thus, the presence of wheezing on expiration in a child with asthma is a key indicator of their respiratory status and reflects the underlying pathology of the disorder effectively.