We know asthma in children can be scary for both children and their parents. 

But, with early detection and the right treatment, you can manage your child’s asthma and ensure they lead active, healthy lives. In our blog, we address parents’ most common questions about this condition and how to manage it. 

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes your child’s bronchial tubes, or airways, to become inflamed and to narrow. This is called an asthma attack, and it can make it difficult for your child to breathe. 

The duration of the asthma attack can vary. Mild attacks may last only a few minutes and may resolve on their own or may require medication, such as an inhaler. More severe asthma attacks can last hours or days and take days or weeks to recover from. 

Why do children get asthma? 

A number of factors can affect whether a child develops asthma.

First, genetics can play a role. Children with a family history of asthma or allergies are more likely to develop the condition.

Environmental factors can also contribute to the development of asthma. This can include exposure to allergens (like dust mites, pet dander, pollen), respiratory infections like RSV during infancy, tobacco smoke, air pollution, and early-life exposure to certain chemicals. 

Other health factors can increase a child’s risk of developing asthma, including premature birth and low birth weight.

Sometimes, you may not know your child has asthma until they are exposed to one of their asthmatic triggers. 

The key is to understand the triggers that cause asthma. Sometimes, you may not even know you have it until you’re exposed to those triggers. This means the environment you live in is a huge cause and risk factor of asthma. Genetics is also a risk factor for asthma.

How can I tell if my child is developing asthma? 

Asthma symptoms can often mimic those of other respiratory conditions, making diagnosis tricky. 

Here are some key signs to watch for:

• Persistent coughing, particularly during physical activity or at night
• Wheezing
• Breathing difficulties such as rapid or labored breathing
• Recurrent episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia
• Chest tightness or discomfort
• Fatigue or low energy levels
• Difficulty sleeping due to coughing or breathing difficulties

If you notice these signs, you should have your child evaluated by their provider at Pediatrics West. 

An early diagnosis is best because it can prevent your child’s asthma from worsening or causing more severe symptoms. It also will help you manage your child’s asthma and reduce the risk of asthma attacks. 

What does an asthma attack feel like? 

An asthma attack can feel scary for a child. Asthma attacks often start with coughing. Their chest may feel tight, or like there’s a weight on their chest. 

They will feel like they can’t catch their breath or get enough air. It can feel like trying to suck air in through a straw, or even like drowning.

Is asthma curable in kids? 

Asthma does not have a cure and is a life-long disease. However, for many children, their asthma symptoms improve or even appear to go away as they get older. Sometimes, people who “grew out of” their asthma as children may experience a recurrence later in life, often in their 30s or 40s.  

While asthma is not curable, it can be treated and managed. Your child can still lead a healthy, active lifestyle with asthma. 

How do you treat asthma in children? 

The first step in treating asthma is to have your pediatrician at Pediatrics West diagnose your child. 

If we determine your child has asthma, we will create a personalized treatment plan that may include medications, environmental control measures, and education on asthma management.

If we recommend medication, it’s likely we will give your child a trial period of asthma medication, often in the form of an inhaler. You can watch our YouTube video that demonstrates how to help your child use an inhaler and spacer. 

Asthma treatment often takes regular monitoring and adjustments to your child’s treatment plan to manage their condition properly. 

What are some common asthma triggers? 

Part of managing your child’s asthma is to be aware of your child’s asthma triggers. This way, you can either avoid the triggers, reduce the exposure, and be proactive about managing your child’s symptoms.

Asthmatic children have different asthma triggers, but these are the most common: 

• Tobacco smoke exposure
• Allergens (like pollen, dust, and pet dander)
• Respiratory infections (like a cold or flu)
• Chemical odors
• Strong smells, such as fragrances
• Outdoor pollution (such as wildfire smoke)
• Cold, dry air
• Physical activity 
• High Altitude 
• Strong emotions (laughing, crying, tantrums)

Some easy ways to proactively manage your child’s response to triggers include: 

• Keeping your child well hydrated
• Using a humidifier at home
• Having your child shower before bed to wash off pollen and other allergens

Contact Pediatrics West

If you suspect your child has asthma, contact our office to schedule an evaluation by calling us at (720) 284-3700 or booking an appointment on MyChart.