Asthma in Children: A Guide for Parents
Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Receiving an asthma diagnosis for your child can be initially worrying. However, with the right treatment and daily habits, the vast majority of children with asthma go to school, play, participate in sports, and grow up like their peers.
How does asthma manifest itself in children?
Repetitive wheezing (a whistling sound during breathing)
Coughing that worsens especially at night or in the early morning.
Getting tired quickly or coughing while running, playing, or laughing.
The common cold "settling in the chest" and lasting a long time.
In young children, giving up on play too quickly and restlessness.
Young children may not be able to describe shortness of breath. Phrases like "my stomach hurts" or "my chest hurts" are sometimes ways of describing shortness of breath.
Does every wheezing sound mean asthma?
No. Wheezing is common in infants and young children with viral infections, and some of these children do not experience wheezing as they grow older. Your doctor will determine the cause based on the frequency of wheezing, whether there are other symptoms besides infection, a family history of asthma and allergies, and the response to treatment.
Treatment and medication use
Treatment for children is planned according to age and differs from treatment for adults. Following the plan determined by your doctor is the most important step.
Preventive medication should be used regularly. Do not stop the medication if your child seems well. The absence of symptoms often indicates that the medication is working.
Correct device and technique. For young children, the inhaler must always be used with an intermediate chamber, and for the youngest, with a masked intermediate chamber.
Steroid concerns. Inhaled steroids reach the lungs in very low doses. They are safe when used at the correct dose. Uncontrolled asthma and frequent use of tablet steroids pose a much greater risk to a child's development. If you have any concerns, speak openly with your doctor.
Things you can do at home
Smoking should absolutely not be allowed in the house or in the car. Passive smoking is one of the most important triggers of asthma attacks in children.
If you have allergies, reduce triggers: wash bedding frequently, reduce dust-collecting items, and combat dampness and mold.
Avoid strongly scented cleaning products and air fresheners.
Get a flu shot every year if your doctor recommends it.
Post the written action plan in a visible place at home and share it with caregivers and grandparents.
Involve your child in the process.
Explain asthma to your child in an age-appropriate way. Ask them to show you how they use their inhaler. As they get older, help them remember their medication and recognize their symptoms on their own. It's important for their self-confidence that they see asthma as a manageable condition, not a "forbidden list."
Parents also need support.
Nighttime coughs, emergency room visits, and constant vigilance can be exhausting for parents. It's natural to experience these feelings. Talking to families going through a similar process, sharing experiences, and asking questions can lighten the burden.
Emergency signs
If your child is experiencing severe shortness of breath to the point of being unable to speak or eat, if their lips are turning blue, if their ribs are retracting when they breathe, or if an inhaler is not working, call 112 immediately.
This article is for informational purposes only. For your child's treatment, please consult your pediatrician or a pediatric pulmonologist or allergist.
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