Overview
Asthma is a common pediatric condition that causes narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It can be as mild as a cough during play or as serious as needing hospital care. The good news is we have lots of ways to manage asthma and help kids stay active and healthy!
Why this matters for your child
Daily functioning
Uncontrolled asthma may limit your child's ability to play, run, and be active with friends. Nighttime symptoms can disrupt sleep, leading to daytime tiredness and reduced energy. It can also be very serious and lead to emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
Behavior or emotions
Frequent symptoms or worry about breathing problems can affect your child's confidence and willingness to participate in activities they enjoy.
Common symptoms
Parents may notice:
- Coughing — especially at night or during play and exercise
- Shortness of breath — your child may stop playing or seem to tire easily
- Chest tightness — your child may complain their chest feels tight or uncomfortable
- Nighttime awakenings — coughing or difficulty breathing that wakes your child from sleep
- Symptoms triggered by colds, exercise, laughing, crying, cold air, smoke, environmental allergies, or strong smells
When to see a doctor
Consider evaluation if your child:
- Has any of the common symptoms above and you think they may have asthma
- Has known asthma that is not well controlled — frequent daytime symptoms, nighttime wake-ups, two or more urgent care/ER visits in a year, or a hospitalization
Seek immediate care
Seek immediate medical care if your child:
- Has severe difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Has trouble speaking or eating due to breathing problems
- Does not improve with prescribed rescue medication
How we evaluate this condition
Medical history
We will ask about your child's breathing symptoms, when they occur, what triggers them, and whether there is a family history of asthma or allergies.
Physical examination
We will listen to your child's lungs and check for active wheezing.
Trial of treatment
Sometimes the best way to confirm asthma is to see how your child responds to asthma medication, since the wheezing from asthma is reversible with albuterol.
Treatment & management options
You and your doctor will create an Asthma Action Plan specific to your child — what to do when symptoms worsen, which inhalers to use, and when to seek emergency care. Common strategies include:
Lifestyle & behavioral strategies
- Identify and avoid triggers (smoke, allergens, strong odors, etc.)
Quick-relief (rescue) medications
Short-acting inhalers (albuterol) used when symptoms occur to open airways quickly.
Controller medications
Daily inhaled medications (inhaled corticosteroids) that reduce airway inflammation and prevent symptoms.
SMART therapy
A combined approach using inhaled corticosteroids together with a short-acting medicine.
Our approach
We partner with families to create individualized Asthma Action Plans that fit your child's specific needs. Our goal is not just to control symptoms — it's to help your child live an active, normal life without limitations.
Reassurance for parents
Asthma can be well-controlled, and most kids see real improvement on the right treatment plan. With proper management, children can participate fully in sports and school, sleep better, have fewer symptoms, and significantly reduce the risk of serious asthma attacks.
Ready to talk?
If you are concerned about asthma or breathing problems in your child, schedule a visit with us. Early evaluation and treatment can make a significant difference in your child's quality of life.
This guide is for general education only. When in doubt, call us — we'd rather hear from you.