Allie loves to run and play. But recently she has begun wheezing and is having trouble catching her breath. Her dad is concerned she has asthma, so he took her to the pediatrician to find out.
Hearing that your child has asthma can bring up many emotions, like worry, confusion, and lots of questions. At Little Oaks Pediatrics, we want you to know that while an asthma diagnosis is a big moment, it is also the first step to helping your child breathe easier and enjoy an active, healthy life.
Asthma is a common long-term condition in children, affecting six million children. Most cases begin early in life. However, diagnosis can be difficult. If they are old enough, usually five to seven years, their pediatrician may test for asthma. A common test (spirometry) is having them breathe into a device called a spirometer to measure if they have any airway blockages. In young kids, asthma symptoms can mimic other breathing problems, such as RSV, Pertussis, or a cold. Many children wheeze with viruses, so doctors look for patterns to determine if asthma is the cause.
Your child’s pediatrician will ask specific questions about their medical history to determine whether they have asthma. Keep in mind that wheezing is a common symptom, but different children react differently to triggers. While some may wheeze, others may have a chronic cough that lasts a few days.
Some questions to be prepared to answer include:
Family History: Does a parent have asthma, environmental allergies, or other respiratory conditions?
Allergic Tendencies: Does your child show signs of allergies, such as eczema?
Coughing or Wheezing Without Illness: Does your child experience wheezing or a chronic cough even when they do not have a cold or respiratory infection?
Regarding coughing and wheezing, a few important questions to dive deeper:
If your child is diagnosed with asthma, remember that it is manageable.
Here is how to start:
Create an Asthma Action Plan: We will help you create a written asthma action plan that outlines daily treatments, what to do if symptoms worsen, and when to seek emergency help. Learn more about this here.
Find Triggers: Common triggers include dust mites, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and exercise. Knowing what causes your child’s symptoms is key to prevention. The AAP provides a helpful parent resource on asthma triggers here.
Learn About Medications: Knowing how to use controller and rescue inhalers correctly ensures your child gets medicine when needed. needed. In some children, certain medications can be safely combined into a single inhaler. Learn more about medications here.
You’re not alone. From testing to long-term care, our pediatric team offers personalized support. We focus on controlling asthma so it doesn’t control your child’s life.
Want to learn more? Make an appointment to talk about your child's breathing. Together, we can help keep your child’s lungs healthy and strong.
For more information on managing asthma in children, visit the American Lung Association.