Asthma can be kept under control. Parents can work with their health care provider to manage their child’s asthma.
Asthma is a chronic disease, meaning it lasts for a long time or recurs frequently. If a child’s asthma symptoms cause breathing problems during exercise or normal activities, this is called persistent asthma. If symptoms are persistent, your child likely needs adjustment in his or her treatment plan.
Recognize your child’s asthma triggers, and try to remove those triggers from his or her environment.
Watch for early signs of asthma flare-ups, such as wheezing or gasping.
There are two types of asthma medicines: controller and quick-relief. Be sure you know how to use your child's medicines and asthma devices.
Children with persistent asthma should use a controller medicine every day. This will control the inflammation in their lungs. Inflammation causes swelling, mucous production and narrowing of the airway.
Here are three signs that your child’s asthma is not under control:
Your child uses a quick-relief medicine (like an albuterol puffer) more than twice a week.
He or she wakes up at night with asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or chest tightness more than twice a month.
You refill your child’s quick-relief medicine more than twice a year.
Children with persistent asthma should see a primary care physician or asthma specialist at least three times a year.
