Childhood Asthma
Asthma in Children
Asthma is a common chronic condition in children that affects the airways and breathing. With the right management plan, most children with asthma can stay active, sleep well, and participate fully in school and sports.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition in which the airways become inflamed, sensitive, and narrowed. This can make it harder for air to move in and out of the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulty. Symptoms may come and go and can vary in severity.
Common Asthma Symptoms
Asthma symptoms may include:
- Coughing, especially at night or with exercise
- Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue with physical activity
Some children may cough without obvious wheezing.
Common Asthma Triggers
Asthma symptoms can be triggered by:
- Colds or respiratory infections
- Allergies (pollen, dust mites, pet dander)
- Exercise
- Cold air
- Smoke or strong odors
- Weather changes
What You Can Do at Home
Helpful steps for managing asthma include:
- Following your child’s asthma action plan
- Using medications exactly as prescribed
- Identifying and reducing exposure to triggers
- Using inhalers with a spacer when recommended
- Monitoring symptoms and rescue inhaler use
When to Call Us
Call our office if your child has:
- Call our office if your child has:
- Increasing asthma symptoms
- Frequent need for rescue inhaler
- Nighttime coughing or breathing problems
- Limitations with play or sports
- Questions about medications or inhaler technique
📞 Call (816) 792-1170 and select option 3 to reach nurse triage.
When to Seek Urgent or Emergency Care
Seek urgent or emergency care if your child has:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing or chest retractions
- Trouble speaking due to shortness of breath
- Blue lips or face
- No improvement after using rescue medication
How We Diagnose and Manage Asthma
Asthma diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history, and physical exam. Some children may also benefit from breathing tests depending on age. Management focuses on controlling inflammation, preventing flare-ups, and creating an individualized asthma action plan.
Living Well With Asthma
Schedule an Appointment
If you have concerns about your child’s breathing or asthma symptoms, we’re here to help.
Request an Appointment through our online form, or call our nurse triage line for guidance.
