What symptoms may indicate asthma in children?

The symptoms associated with asthma in children primarily involve the respiratory system, as asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the airways, making them sensitive and reactive. The correct choice includes shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and choking, which are direct indicators of airway obstruction or inflammation.

Shortness of breath often occurs when airways constrict, making it difficult for the child to exhale adequately, while coughing is a common reflex in response to irritation in the airways. Wheezing, characterized by a whistling sound when breathing, is a hallmark sign of narrowed airways, showing that asthma is likely affecting the child. Choking may be a result of mucus buildup or airway constriction, prompting an urgent response.

In contrast, the other options present symptoms that do not align with typical asthma presentations. For instance, dry throat, fatigue, headaches, and sneezing may indicate allergies or other conditions, but are not central to asthma. Frequent stomach aches and nausea can be signs of gastrointestinal issues rather than respiratory troubles. Lastly, rashes and dark circles under the eyes could suggest allergic reactions but are not specific to asthma itself. Thus, the symptoms listed in the correct choice closely align with the known manifestations of asthma in children.