Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and difficulty breathing. It impacts approximately 5 million children in the United States, about 6.5% of the youth population, and 20 million adults. Asthma in children can disrupt sleep and playtime and is a common cause of missed school. Although you can’t cure asthma, you can treat and control it. With a bit of planning, you can decrease asthma symptoms in children and know what to do in the event of a flare-up so you and your child can enjoy life to the fullest.
How do I know if my child has asthma?
Seeing your child struggle to catch their breath can be overwhelming as a parent, especially if you aren’t sure what’s causing it. Asthma in children can be triggered by a variety of factors, including genetics, allergies, respiratory infections, and environmental factors like smoke, dust, or pet dander. If you suspect asthma but it’s not yet confirmed, start an asthma journal to track your child’s symptoms, identify potential triggers, and become familiar with the signs of a flare-up so you can discuss them with your child’s pediatrician or a children’s asthma specialist. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
Symptoms of Day-to-Day Asthma and Flare-Ups
- Difficulty breathing, especially during or after physical activity
- Coughing, often at night or in the early morning
- Wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound while exhaling)
- Chest pain or tightness in the chest (kids may describe this as a tummy ache)
- Decreased interest in physical activity
The frequency and severity of asthma symptoms in children will differ from kid to kid and can range from mild to severe. Asthma flare-ups may worsen with physical exertion, illness, or environmental triggers like pollution, allergens, and other contaminants. Flare-ups may also be more common during strong emotional reactions like crying or laughing.
An asthma attack in children may be more likely if one or both parents have asthma, your child shows symptoms of allergies, or wheezing occurs when your child isn’t ill. Because many of the common asthma symptoms overlap with other common childhood conditions, diagnosing asthma can be challenging, especially in toddlers and babies. It’s always a good idea to discuss your concerns with your pediatrician so you can navigate your child’s well-being together and get the best treatment possible from a children’s asthma specialist.
How can I manage my child’s asthma?
Having a child with asthma might seem a little daunting at first, but with the proper care and support, your child can enjoy a full and active life. Finding the best way to manage your child’s asthma will decrease the frequency and intensity of asthma symptoms in children and improve their overall breathing. Daily medications can be taken to prevent asthma attacks, and rescue medications, like an albuterol inhaler, can be used during flare-ups to help open the airway. Help your child navigate their asthma needs and symptoms by:
- Identifying and avoiding triggers. Common triggers include smoke, pollen, mold, pet dander, changes in weather (especially cold, dry air), physical exertion, illness, and air pollution.
- Making a plan and sticking with it. That plan should include what medications to take and when, what triggers to avoid, and what to do if a flare-up happens. Discuss your child’s symptoms with their pediatrician, and they can suggest any needed medications.
- Encouraging them to take all medications as prescribed. Kids might get tired of taking medication or even think they don’t need them anymore. Maintenance medications work over time; a lack of flare-ups is a sign they are working. If your child stops taking them, symptoms may return.
- Staying up-to-date on vaccinations. Kids with asthma have a more difficult time recovering from respiratory viruses and infections. Their airways are already sensitive and prone to inflammation, which means even a common cold can trigger more severe symptoms and prolonged discomfort. Annual flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are essential.
- Being prepared. Have rescue medications on hand at all times, and talk with teachers, coaches, and other caregivers so they know what to look for and what to do in case your child has an asthma attack away from home.
By working closely with your healthcare team, staying informed about the best asthma management practices, and fostering a supportive environment at home, you can help your child manage their asthma effectively.
