BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuAsthma in childrenPediatric asthma; Asthma - pediatric; Wheezing - asthma - childrenAsthma is a disease that causes the airways to swell and get narrow. It leads to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.AsthmaAsthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and become narrow. It leads to breathing difficulty such as wheezing, shor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article WheezingWheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air moves through narrowed breathing tubes in the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes Asthma is caused by swelling (inflammation) in the airways. During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airways tighten. The lining of the air passages swells. As a result, less air is able to pass through.Asthma is often seen in children. It is a leading cause of missed school days and hospital visits for children. An allergic reaction is a key part of asthma in children. Asthma and allergies often occur together.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / In children who have sensitive airways, asthma symptoms can be triggered by breathing in substances called allergens, or triggers.AllergensAn allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. In some people, the immune system recognizes allergens as foreign or dangerous. As ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article TriggersIt is important to know what things make your asthma worse. These are called asthma "triggers. " Avoiding them is your first step toward feeling bet...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Common asthma triggers include:Animals (hair or dander) Dust, mold, and pollen Aspirin and other medicines Changes in weather (most often cold weather) Chemicals in the air or in food Tobacco smoke Exercise Strong emotions Viral infections, such as the common coldCommon coldThe common cold most often causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Breathing problems are common. They can include:Shortness of breath Feeling out of breath Gasping for air Trouble breathing out (exhaling) Breathing faster than normal When your child is having a hard time breathing, the skin of their chest and neck may suck inward (chest or neck retractions).Other symptoms of asthma in children include:Coughing that sometimes wakes the child up at night (it may be the only symptom). Dark bags under the eyes. Feeling tired. Irritability. Tightness in the chest. A whistling sound made when breathing (wheezing). You may notice it more when your child breathes out. Your child's asthma symptoms may vary. Symptoms may appear often or develop only when triggers are present. Some children are more likely to have asthma symptoms at night.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Exams and Tests Your health care provider will use a stethoscope to listen to your child's lungs. Your provider may be able to hear asthma sounds. However, lung sounds are often normal when your child is not having an asthma attack.Asthma attackIf you do not know whether or not you have asthma, these 4 symptoms could be signs that you do:Coughing during the day or coughing that may wake you ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Your provider will have your child breathe into a device called a peak flow meter. Peak flow meters can tell how well they can blow air out of their lungs. If the airways are narrow due to asthma, peak flow values drop.Peak flow meterA peak flow meter is a small device that helps you check how well your asthma is controlled. Peak flow meters are most helpful if you have moderate ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You and your child will learn to measure peak flow at home.Your child's provider may order the following tests:Allergy testing on the skin, or a blood test to see if your child is allergic to certain substances SkinAllergy skin tests are used to find out which substances cause a person to have an allergic reaction. These substances are called allergens....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood testAn absolute eosinophil count is a blood test that measures the number of one type of white blood cells called eosinophils. Eosinophils become active...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung function testsLung function testsPulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment You and your child's providers should work together as a team to create and carry out an asthma action plan.This plan will tell you how to:Avoid asthma triggers Monitor symptoms Measure peak flow Take medicines The plan should also tell you when to contact your child's provider. It is important to know what questions to ask your child's provider.Questions to ask your child's providerAsthma is a problem with the airways that bring oxygen to your lungs. A child with asthma may not feel symptoms all the time. But when an asthma at...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Children with asthma may need a lot of support at school.Support at schoolChildren with asthma may need extra support at school. They may need help from school staff to keep their asthma under control and to be able to do ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Give the school staff your asthma action plan so they know how to take care of your child's asthma. Find out how to let your child take medicine during school hours. You may need to sign a consent form. Having asthma does not mean your child cannot exercise. Coaches, gym teachers, and your child should know what to do if your child has asthma symptoms caused by exercise. Symptoms caused by exerciseSometimes exercise triggers asthma symptoms. This is called exercise-induced asthma (EIA). The symptoms of EIA are coughing, wheezing, a feeling of ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article ASTHMA MEDICINESThere are two basic kinds of medicine used to treat asthma.Long-term control medicines are taken every day to prevent asthma symptoms. Your child should take these medicines even if no symptoms are present. Some children may need more than one long-term control medicine.Types of long-term control medicines include:Control medicinesControl medicines for asthma are medicines you take to control your asthma symptoms. You must use these medicines every day for them to work well. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Inhaled steroids (these are usually the first choice of treatment) Long-acting bronchodilators (these are almost always used with inhaled steroids) Leukotriene inhibitors Cromolyn sodium Quick relief or rescue asthma medicines work fast to control asthma symptoms. Children take them when they are coughing, wheezing, having trouble breathing, or having an asthma attack.Quick reliefAsthma quick-relief medicines work fast to control asthma symptoms. You take them when you are coughing, wheezing, having trouble breathing, or havi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersSome of your child's asthma medicines can be taken using an inhaler.InhalerUsing a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) seems simple. But many people do not use them the right way. If you use your MDI the wrong way, less medicine ge...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Children who use an inhaler should use a spacer device. This helps them get the medicine into their lungs properly. Spacer deviceMetered-dose inhalers (MDIs) usually have 3 parts:A mouthpieceA cap that goes over the mouthpieceA canister full of medicine If you use your inhaler ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If your child uses the inhaler the wrong way, less medicine gets into the lungs. Have your provider show your child how to correctly use an inhaler. Younger children can use a nebulizer instead of an inhaler to take their medicine. A nebulizer turns asthma medicine into a mist.NebulizerA nebulizer is a small machine that turns liquid medicine into a mist that can be easily inhaled. You sit with the machine and breathe in the medici...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersGETTING RID OF TRIGGERSIt is important to know your child's asthma triggers. Avoiding them is the first step toward helping your child feel better.Keep pets away from your child's bedroom.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / No one should smoke in a house or around a child with asthma.SmokeThings that make your allergies or asthma worse are called triggers. Smoking is a trigger for many people who have asthma.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Getting rid of tobacco smoke in the home is the single most important thing a family can do to help a child with asthma. Smoking outside the house is not enough. Family members and visitors who smoke carry the smoke inside on their clothes and hair. This can trigger asthma symptoms. Do not use indoor fireplaces. Keep the house clean. Keep food in containers and out of bedrooms. This helps reduce the possibility of cockroaches, which can trigger asthma attacks. Cleaning products in the home should be unscented.MONITOR YOUR CHILD'S ASTHMAChecking peak flow is one of the best ways to monitor and control asthma. It can help you keep your child's asthma from getting worse. Asthma attacks usually do not happen without warning.Children under age 5 may not be able to use a peak flow meter well enough for it to be helpful. However, a child should start using the peak flow meter at a young age to get used to it. An adult should always watch for a child's asthma symptoms.Asthma Management QuizWhat should be in an asthma management plan? A. What medicines you take and when B. A list of your asthma triggers and how to avoid them C. How to tell when your asthma is getting worse D. When to call your doctor or go to the emergency room E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. An asthma management plan –also called an asthma action plan – is a written document that helps you control your asthma over the long term and in emergencies. You and your doctor can work together to create your own personal plan.Everyone with asthma, including children, should have an asthma action plan. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Asthma action plans are an important tool to help people of all ages manage asthma.Your child with asthma needs support at school. You can help by: A. Making sure school staff have the child's asthma action plan B. Making sure your child has a place to go to get away from asthma triggers C. Making sure the staff know and can treat asthma symptoms caused by exercise D. Making sure your child is allowed to use his or her asthma medicines at school E. Not allowing your child to play with other children F. A, B, C and D Correct Answer The correct answers are A, B, C and D. Your child's teachers, coaches, the school nurse and the school office staff are all key members of your support team. Work with them so they can help your child manage asthma symptoms.The green zone on your asthma management plan means you are: A. Allergic to grass B. Doing well C. Feeling ill Correct Answer The correct answer is doing well. The green zone is your happy place when it comes to asthma. You're not coughing or wheezing, and you can do your regular activities. Your long-term control medicines are managing your asthma.Your asthma has gotten worse. Your asthma action plan says you're now in: A. The yellow zone B. The black zone C. The gray zone Correct Answer The correct answer is the yellow zone. Yellow-zone symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Your asthma action plan tells you which quick-relief medicine to take and how much – and what to do if you don't go back to the green zone.Which of these is a sign you're in the red zone? A. Your quick-relief medicines aren't helping. B. You have severe shortness of breath. C. After 24 hours in the yellow zone, your symptoms are the same or worse. D. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Get help right away if you are in the red zone of your asthma action plan. Take the medicines in your plan and call your doctor. Call 911 if you are still in the red zone after 15 minutes and you can't reach your doctor.A big part of managing asthma is staying away from your asthma triggers. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Things that make asthma worse are called triggers. Common triggers are dust, mold, pollen, and smoke. You will need to learn how to avoid your asthma triggers. Write down your triggers and talk with your doctor if you need more ideas for coping.If you think your asthma action plan isn't working, you should: A. Give it more time B. Tell your doctor right away C. Use someone else's Correct Answer The correct answer is tell your doctor right away. Asthma can be managed, but it can change over time. Your doctor may need to adjust your asthma action plan. Tracking your symptoms and using a peak flow meter can help you and your doctor address problems early.To control your asthma, you can't be physically active. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Exercise can trigger asthma in some people, but that doesn't mean you should give it up. Everyone needs physical activity for good health. Talk with your doctor about how you can stay active while managing your asthma.Most people with asthma can manage their symptoms by following their asthma action plans and: A. Having regular asthma checkups B. Never leaving home without a mask C. Avoiding crowds Correct Answer The correct answer is having regular asthma checkups. There is no cure for asthma. But working with your doctor can help you avoid problems, take good care of yourself, and live a full and active life. Outlook (Prognosis) With proper treatment, most children with asthma can live a normal life. When asthma is not well controlled, it can lead to missed school, problems playing sports, missed work for parents, and many visits to the provider's office and emergency room.Asthma symptoms often lessen or go away completely as the child gets older. Asthma that is not well controlled can lead to lasting lung problems.In rare cases, asthma is a life-threatening disease. Families need to work closely with their providers to develop a plan to care for a child with asthma. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your child's provider if you think your child has new symptoms of asthma. If your child has been newly diagnosed with asthma, contact their provider:After an emergency room visit When peak flow numbers have been getting lower When symptoms get more frequent and more severe, even though your child is following their asthma action plan If your child is having trouble breathing or having an asthma attack, get medical help right away. Emergency symptoms include:Difficulty breathing Bluish color to the lips and face Bluish color to the lips and faceA bluish color to the skin or mucous membrane is usually due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. The medical term is cyanosis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath Rapid pulse Sweating Decreased level of alertness, such as severe drowsiness or confusion A child who is having a severe asthma attack may need to stay in the hospital and get oxygen and medicines through a vein (intravenous line or IV).Open ReferencesReferencesJackson DJ, Lemanske RF, Bacharier LB. Management of asthma in infants and children. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 50.Liu AH, Bacharier LB, Fitzpatrick AM, Sicherer SH. Childhood asthma. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 185.Lugogo N, Que LG, Carr TF, Kraft M. Asthma: diagnosis and management. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 62.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. 2020 Focused Updates to the Asthma Management Guidelines: A Report from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Coordinating Committee Expert Panel Working Group. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/2020-focused-updates-asthma-management-guidelines. Updated December 2020. Accessed July 14, 2025.AllVideoImagesTogNormal versus asthmatic bronchiole - illustration During an asthma attack smooth muscles located in the bronchioles of the lung constrict and decrease the flow of air in the airways. The amount of air flow can further be decreased by inflammation or excess mucus secretion.Normal versus asthmatic bronchioleillustrationPeak flow meter - illustration A peak flow meter is commonly used by a person with asthma to measue the amount of air that can be expelled from the lungs. If the airways become narrow or blocked due to asthma, peak flow values will drop because the person cannot blow air out of the lungs as well. A peak flow meter can be a useful aid in monitoring a person's asthma over time and can also be used to help determine how well a patient's medications are working.Peak flow meterillustrationLungs - illustration The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.LungsillustrationCommon asthma triggers - illustration Many of the same substances that trigger allergies can also trigger asthma. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold and pet dander. Other asthma triggers include irritants like smoke, pollution, fumes, cleaning chemicals, and sprays. Asthma symptoms can be substantially reduced by avoiding exposure to known allergens and respiratory irritants.Common asthma triggersillustrationNormal versus asthmatic bronchiole - illustration During an asthma attack smooth muscles located in the bronchioles of the lung constrict and decrease the flow of air in the airways. The amount of air flow can further be decreased by inflammation or excess mucus secretion.Normal versus asthmatic bronchioleillustrationPeak flow meter - illustration A peak flow meter is commonly used by a person with asthma to measue the amount of air that can be expelled from the lungs. If the airways become narrow or blocked due to asthma, peak flow values will drop because the person cannot blow air out of the lungs as well. A peak flow meter can be a useful aid in monitoring a person's asthma over time and can also be used to help determine how well a patient's medications are working.Peak flow meterillustrationLungs - illustration The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.LungsillustrationCommon asthma triggers - illustration Many of the same substances that trigger allergies can also trigger asthma. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold and pet dander. Other asthma triggers include irritants like smoke, pollution, fumes, cleaning chemicals, and sprays. Asthma symptoms can be substantially reduced by avoiding exposure to known allergens and respiratory irritants.Common asthma triggersillustrationA Closer Look Asthma in children and adolescents - InDepth(In-Depth)Talking to your MD Asthma in children - what to ask your doctorSelf Care Asthma and schoolRelated Information Asthma(Condition)Lung plethysmography(Medical Test)Asthma in children - what to ask your doctor(Doctor Questions)Asthma - control drugs(Self-Care)How to use a nebulizer(Self-Care)Asthma - quick-relief drugs (Self-Care)Asthma and school(Self-Care)Exercise-induced asthma(Self-Care)Exercising and asthma at school (Self-Care)How to use an inhaler - no spacer(Self-Care)How to use an inhaler - with spacer(Self-Care)How to use your peak flow meter(Self-Care)Asthma in adults - InDepth(In-Depth)Asthma in children and adolescents - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/6/2025 Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Asthma in childrenPediatric asthma; Asthma - pediatric; Wheezing - asthma - childrenAsthma is a disease that causes the airways to swell and get narrow. It leads to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.AsthmaAsthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and become narrow. It leads to breathing difficulty such as wheezing, shor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article WheezingWheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air moves through narrowed breathing tubes in the lungs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes Asthma is caused by swelling (inflammation) in the airways. During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airways tighten. The lining of the air passages swells. As a result, less air is able to pass through.Asthma is often seen in children. It is a leading cause of missed school days and hospital visits for children. An allergic reaction is a key part of asthma in children. Asthma and allergies often occur together.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / In children who have sensitive airways, asthma symptoms can be triggered by breathing in substances called allergens, or triggers.AllergensAn allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. In some people, the immune system recognizes allergens as foreign or dangerous. As ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article TriggersIt is important to know what things make your asthma worse. These are called asthma "triggers. " Avoiding them is your first step toward feeling bet...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Common asthma triggers include:Animals (hair or dander) Dust, mold, and pollen Aspirin and other medicines Changes in weather (most often cold weather) Chemicals in the air or in food Tobacco smoke Exercise Strong emotions Viral infections, such as the common coldCommon coldThe common cold most often causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Breathing problems are common. They can include:Shortness of breath Feeling out of breath Gasping for air Trouble breathing out (exhaling) Breathing faster than normal When your child is having a hard time breathing, the skin of their chest and neck may suck inward (chest or neck retractions).Other symptoms of asthma in children include:Coughing that sometimes wakes the child up at night (it may be the only symptom). Dark bags under the eyes. Feeling tired. Irritability. Tightness in the chest. A whistling sound made when breathing (wheezing). You may notice it more when your child breathes out. Your child's asthma symptoms may vary. Symptoms may appear often or develop only when triggers are present. Some children are more likely to have asthma symptoms at night.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Exams and Tests Your health care provider will use a stethoscope to listen to your child's lungs. Your provider may be able to hear asthma sounds. However, lung sounds are often normal when your child is not having an asthma attack.Asthma attackIf you do not know whether or not you have asthma, these 4 symptoms could be signs that you do:Coughing during the day or coughing that may wake you ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Your provider will have your child breathe into a device called a peak flow meter. Peak flow meters can tell how well they can blow air out of their lungs. If the airways are narrow due to asthma, peak flow values drop.Peak flow meterA peak flow meter is a small device that helps you check how well your asthma is controlled. Peak flow meters are most helpful if you have moderate ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You and your child will learn to measure peak flow at home.Your child's provider may order the following tests:Allergy testing on the skin, or a blood test to see if your child is allergic to certain substances SkinAllergy skin tests are used to find out which substances cause a person to have an allergic reaction. These substances are called allergens....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood testAn absolute eosinophil count is a blood test that measures the number of one type of white blood cells called eosinophils. Eosinophils become active...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lung function testsLung function testsPulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment You and your child's providers should work together as a team to create and carry out an asthma action plan.This plan will tell you how to:Avoid asthma triggers Monitor symptoms Measure peak flow Take medicines The plan should also tell you when to contact your child's provider. It is important to know what questions to ask your child's provider.Questions to ask your child's providerAsthma is a problem with the airways that bring oxygen to your lungs. A child with asthma may not feel symptoms all the time. But when an asthma at...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Children with asthma may need a lot of support at school.Support at schoolChildren with asthma may need extra support at school. They may need help from school staff to keep their asthma under control and to be able to do ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Give the school staff your asthma action plan so they know how to take care of your child's asthma. Find out how to let your child take medicine during school hours. You may need to sign a consent form. Having asthma does not mean your child cannot exercise. Coaches, gym teachers, and your child should know what to do if your child has asthma symptoms caused by exercise. Symptoms caused by exerciseSometimes exercise triggers asthma symptoms. This is called exercise-induced asthma (EIA). The symptoms of EIA are coughing, wheezing, a feeling of ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article ASTHMA MEDICINESThere are two basic kinds of medicine used to treat asthma.Long-term control medicines are taken every day to prevent asthma symptoms. Your child should take these medicines even if no symptoms are present. Some children may need more than one long-term control medicine.Types of long-term control medicines include:Control medicinesControl medicines for asthma are medicines you take to control your asthma symptoms. You must use these medicines every day for them to work well. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Inhaled steroids (these are usually the first choice of treatment) Long-acting bronchodilators (these are almost always used with inhaled steroids) Leukotriene inhibitors Cromolyn sodium Quick relief or rescue asthma medicines work fast to control asthma symptoms. Children take them when they are coughing, wheezing, having trouble breathing, or having an asthma attack.Quick reliefAsthma quick-relief medicines work fast to control asthma symptoms. You take them when you are coughing, wheezing, having trouble breathing, or havi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersSome of your child's asthma medicines can be taken using an inhaler.InhalerUsing a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) seems simple. But many people do not use them the right way. If you use your MDI the wrong way, less medicine ge...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Children who use an inhaler should use a spacer device. This helps them get the medicine into their lungs properly. Spacer deviceMetered-dose inhalers (MDIs) usually have 3 parts:A mouthpieceA cap that goes over the mouthpieceA canister full of medicine If you use your inhaler ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If your child uses the inhaler the wrong way, less medicine gets into the lungs. Have your provider show your child how to correctly use an inhaler. Younger children can use a nebulizer instead of an inhaler to take their medicine. A nebulizer turns asthma medicine into a mist.NebulizerA nebulizer is a small machine that turns liquid medicine into a mist that can be easily inhaled. You sit with the machine and breathe in the medici...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersGETTING RID OF TRIGGERSIt is important to know your child's asthma triggers. Avoiding them is the first step toward helping your child feel better.Keep pets away from your child's bedroom.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / No one should smoke in a house or around a child with asthma.SmokeThings that make your allergies or asthma worse are called triggers. Smoking is a trigger for many people who have asthma.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Getting rid of tobacco smoke in the home is the single most important thing a family can do to help a child with asthma. Smoking outside the house is not enough. Family members and visitors who smoke carry the smoke inside on their clothes and hair. This can trigger asthma symptoms. Do not use indoor fireplaces. Keep the house clean. Keep food in containers and out of bedrooms. This helps reduce the possibility of cockroaches, which can trigger asthma attacks. Cleaning products in the home should be unscented.MONITOR YOUR CHILD'S ASTHMAChecking peak flow is one of the best ways to monitor and control asthma. It can help you keep your child's asthma from getting worse. Asthma attacks usually do not happen without warning.Children under age 5 may not be able to use a peak flow meter well enough for it to be helpful. However, a child should start using the peak flow meter at a young age to get used to it. An adult should always watch for a child's asthma symptoms.Asthma Management QuizWhat should be in an asthma management plan? A. What medicines you take and when B. A list of your asthma triggers and how to avoid them C. How to tell when your asthma is getting worse D. When to call your doctor or go to the emergency room E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. An asthma management plan –also called an asthma action plan – is a written document that helps you control your asthma over the long term and in emergencies. You and your doctor can work together to create your own personal plan.Everyone with asthma, including children, should have an asthma action plan. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Asthma action plans are an important tool to help people of all ages manage asthma.Your child with asthma needs support at school. You can help by: A. Making sure school staff have the child's asthma action plan B. Making sure your child has a place to go to get away from asthma triggers C. Making sure the staff know and can treat asthma symptoms caused by exercise D. Making sure your child is allowed to use his or her asthma medicines at school E. Not allowing your child to play with other children F. A, B, C and D Correct Answer The correct answers are A, B, C and D. Your child's teachers, coaches, the school nurse and the school office staff are all key members of your support team. Work with them so they can help your child manage asthma symptoms.The green zone on your asthma management plan means you are: A. Allergic to grass B. Doing well C. Feeling ill Correct Answer The correct answer is doing well. The green zone is your happy place when it comes to asthma. You're not coughing or wheezing, and you can do your regular activities. Your long-term control medicines are managing your asthma.Your asthma has gotten worse. Your asthma action plan says you're now in: A. The yellow zone B. The black zone C. The gray zone Correct Answer The correct answer is the yellow zone. Yellow-zone symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Your asthma action plan tells you which quick-relief medicine to take and how much – and what to do if you don't go back to the green zone.Which of these is a sign you're in the red zone? A. Your quick-relief medicines aren't helping. B. You have severe shortness of breath. C. After 24 hours in the yellow zone, your symptoms are the same or worse. D. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Get help right away if you are in the red zone of your asthma action plan. Take the medicines in your plan and call your doctor. Call 911 if you are still in the red zone after 15 minutes and you can't reach your doctor.A big part of managing asthma is staying away from your asthma triggers. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. Things that make asthma worse are called triggers. Common triggers are dust, mold, pollen, and smoke. You will need to learn how to avoid your asthma triggers. Write down your triggers and talk with your doctor if you need more ideas for coping.If you think your asthma action plan isn't working, you should: A. Give it more time B. Tell your doctor right away C. Use someone else's Correct Answer The correct answer is tell your doctor right away. Asthma can be managed, but it can change over time. Your doctor may need to adjust your asthma action plan. Tracking your symptoms and using a peak flow meter can help you and your doctor address problems early.To control your asthma, you can't be physically active. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Exercise can trigger asthma in some people, but that doesn't mean you should give it up. Everyone needs physical activity for good health. Talk with your doctor about how you can stay active while managing your asthma.Most people with asthma can manage their symptoms by following their asthma action plans and: A. Having regular asthma checkups B. Never leaving home without a mask C. Avoiding crowds Correct Answer The correct answer is having regular asthma checkups. There is no cure for asthma. But working with your doctor can help you avoid problems, take good care of yourself, and live a full and active life. Outlook (Prognosis) With proper treatment, most children with asthma can live a normal life. When asthma is not well controlled, it can lead to missed school, problems playing sports, missed work for parents, and many visits to the provider's office and emergency room.Asthma symptoms often lessen or go away completely as the child gets older. Asthma that is not well controlled can lead to lasting lung problems.In rare cases, asthma is a life-threatening disease. Families need to work closely with their providers to develop a plan to care for a child with asthma. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your child's provider if you think your child has new symptoms of asthma. If your child has been newly diagnosed with asthma, contact their provider:After an emergency room visit When peak flow numbers have been getting lower When symptoms get more frequent and more severe, even though your child is following their asthma action plan If your child is having trouble breathing or having an asthma attack, get medical help right away. Emergency symptoms include:Difficulty breathing Bluish color to the lips and face Bluish color to the lips and faceA bluish color to the skin or mucous membrane is usually due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. The medical term is cyanosis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath Rapid pulse Sweating Decreased level of alertness, such as severe drowsiness or confusion A child who is having a severe asthma attack may need to stay in the hospital and get oxygen and medicines through a vein (intravenous line or IV).Open ReferencesReferencesJackson DJ, Lemanske RF, Bacharier LB. Management of asthma in infants and children. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 50.Liu AH, Bacharier LB, Fitzpatrick AM, Sicherer SH. Childhood asthma. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 185.Lugogo N, Que LG, Carr TF, Kraft M. Asthma: diagnosis and management. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 62.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. 2020 Focused Updates to the Asthma Management Guidelines: A Report from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Coordinating Committee Expert Panel Working Group. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/2020-focused-updates-asthma-management-guidelines. Updated December 2020. Accessed July 14, 2025.
