What is asthma? Asthma is an inflammatory disorder that produces the airway to become hyper-responsive. It will also limit airflow and causes constrictions. With this limitation, you'll often hear wheezing from kids and sometimes they'll complain about not being about to breathe. Coughing and holding onto their chest can also be seen. If asthma isn’t well-controlled, children may need to go to the emergency department or be hospitalized. That can be
scary for children – who often don’t understand what is happening – and for you as a parent.
The good news is you can help control your child’s asthma to ensure they live a healthy and active life. An allergist
can work with you to develop an asthma action plan that will help your child do everything other children can do,
including sports and other activities.
How to manage asthma?Your child’s treatment will depend on the severity and frequency of their symptoms. Your allergist might prescribe two
types of medicines:
Quick relief (relievers): All children with asthma need quick-relief medicine to treat coughing, wheezing and shortness
of breath or an asthma attack. Your child should have this medicine with them (typically an inhaler) at all times and
use it at the first sign of symptoms.
Preventative (controllers): Many children with asthma also need to take a controller daily to prevent asthma symptoms
and attacks. Your child may need a controller if they are using quick relief medication too often or frequently needing
oral corticosteroids such as prednisone for asthma attacks.