Which of the following is a common symptom of heart failure in children?

In children experiencing heart failure, a common symptom is a persistent cough or wheezing. This occurs due to fluid buildup in the lungs or congestive heart failure, which can lead to pulmonary congestion. When the heart is unable to effectively pump blood, pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs increases, causing fluid to leak into the lung tissue. This results in difficulty breathing, which often presents as a cough or wheezing.

Other symptoms are usually related to the body's response to decreased cardiac output and can include fatigue, poor feeding in infants, and an overall decline in physical activity. Persistent respiratory symptoms, like cough or wheezing, are particularly significant because they can indicate worsening heart function and should prompt further evaluation or intervention. This is why recognizing respiratory symptoms in children is crucial for timely management of heart failure.