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Childhood asthma:
Answers and advice to keep you
and your child breathing easy
L
earning your child has asthma can be life changing. But, Dr. Jaclyn Lozier says
it can actually be life changing in a good way. A pediatrician at Southwestern
Vermont Medical Center, Lozier says, “Getting a diagnosis is the first step to
finding ways to treat the condition and minimize its impact on your child’s life.”
The ins and outs of childhood asthma
cough—especially at night—that lasts a few days.
But then, rather suddenly, the child’s breathing
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the lungs
becomes rapid and labored. They may struggle to
overreact to triggers in the environment. These
breath while doing normal activities.
often include viruses, allergens (such as dust
“If a child experiences a virus that evolves
mites, pet dander, or pollen), exercise, cold
Asthma
to this level three or four times before the
air, and even smoke from cigarettes or
is
one
of
the
age of two,” says Lozier, “there’s a strong
wood and pellet stoves. Lozier explains,
leading causes
likelihood they have asthma.” However,
“When a child encounters a trigger it
of school
she notes, as some children grow and
causes an attack in which the airways in
absenteeism.
the size of their airways increase, it is
the lungs become swollen. The muscles
possible for the symptoms to be reduced to
around the lungs constrict, squeezing the
the point of being unnoticeable.
already swollen airways tighter, and the cells
lining the airways produce excess
mucus. As a result, breathing
becomes difficult.”
Lozier notes that getting a
formal diagnosis of asthma
isn’t usually possible before
the age of two, but symptoms
may appear earlier than that.
Often triggered by a
respiratory infection,
the first signs of
asthma may
include a
runny
nose
and a
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Different treatments for different types
Diagnosing asthma is not complicated. Often, a
doctor can recognize it based on your child’s health
history. Some pulmonary (lung) function tests can
help confirm the diagnosis.
A diagnosis is then classified into one of four
categories: mild intermittent, mild persistent,
moderate persistent, and severe persistent.
Lozier explains, “The type and frequency of
symptoms experienced is what determines what
type of asthma someone has and, to a large extent,
what treatment they’ll receive.”
While there is no cure for asthma, it can be
managed. The keys to managing asthma are
avoiding triggers and taking medication.
Nipping cold weather-induced
asthma attacks in the bud
“Once you’ve identified your
Cold dry air can trigger asthma symptoms
child’s triggers,” says Lozier, “you
and flare-ups. You can prevent flare-ups
can take actions to avoid them.
by minimizing sudden temperature
That might mean staying inside
changes in the air your child breathes
when pollen counts are high or
by wrapping their mouth and nose
keeping a family pet out of your
with a scarf before sending them
child’s room. If your child has
outside to wait for the bus or
exercise-induced asthma, work
to play. A gradual temperature
with your doctor to find ways to
change is less likely to trigger
keep your child active.”
an attack.
There are two types of asthma
medicines:
Quick-relief medicines, also
AAPs are divided into a traffic-light format. The
referred to as “rescue” medicines, work quickly
green zone outlines the everyday plan when your
to open up airways and can be used as needed.
child is feeling well. The yellow zone includes what
While these medicines act fast, their effect doesn't
to do when your child isn’t feeling quite right.
last long.
The red zone details what to do when your child is
Long-term control medicines manage asthma
experiencing an asthma attack.
by preventing symptoms from happening. Taken
“Easy to follow, AAPs are one of the best ways
every day, they reduce inflammation in the airways,
to help your child avoid a full-blown attack and
which lead to swelling and mucus production.
ensure they get the proper treatment for their
Some kids only need quick-relief medicine, while
asthma,” says Lozier.
others need both kinds to manage their asthma.
MENTAL
HEALTH
An asthma action plan to keep kids healthy
In addition to prescribing medication, your child’s
doctor will provide an asthma action plan.
“Because no two children experience asthma the
same way, it’s important that every child have their
own asthma action plan (AAP),” explains Lozier.
Designed to help families manage a child's
asthma, an AAP can prevent asthma emergencies
by preventing and controlling flare-ups. Your
child’s personalized AAP will include a list of
the medications taken, a list of known triggers,
early warning signs for asthma symptoms, and
instructions on when to use the medicines and/or
call your healthcare provider.
“While an AAP is a helpful tool for families
adjusting to an asthma diagnosis,” says Lozier, “it’s
also important to share it with anyone who might
be involved in decisions regarding your child’s care
plan. This includes school nurses, athletic coaches,
camp directors, grandparents, babysitters, etc.”
Breathe easy
The good news: asthma is a treatable condition.
The better news: By using medication and avoiding
triggers, your child can lead a normal and healthy
life. If you are concerned your child may have
asthma, talk with your child's doctor. The sooner
you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin
managing your child’s symptoms. +
Asthma Tools and Resources
Asthma — Get the Facts!
A podcast for kids about asthma
tools.cdc.gov/medialibrary/index.aspx#/media/id/304721
Just for Kids
Online site featuring games, puzzles, and more to educate
kids on asthma and allergens
aaaai.org/Conditions-Treatments/just-for-kids
Know how to use your inhaler
An instructional video for kids
cdc.gov/asthma/inhaler_video/default.htm
HealthyChildren.org
Articles and information related to asthma in children
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