Helping Kids Breathe Easier

What is asthma?

Asthma is a condition that makes it hard to breathe. It happens when the airways in the lungs get swollen and tight in response to certain triggers, like viruses, exercise, allergies, or cold air. This can cause coughing, wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing), chest tightness, and trouble breathing.

Why check for asthma at a Well Care visit?

Asthma has a genetic component, so it can run in families. We encourage patients to check in with their pediatric provider every year to discuss their growth, development, and screen for chronic conditions. Well Care visits are the perfect time to ask if your child seems to cough more than others when they are sick.

What can I expect?

If your child has used an inhaled medicine to help them breathe in the past year, we will ask you to complete a questionnaire at their annual Well Care visit. We use a simple checklist to help us catch signs of asthma early and discuss prevention treatment when appropriate.

Is all asthma the same?

There are different types of asthma in kids, and knowing the difference helps doctors give the best care:

• Viral-Triggered Asthma: Some children only wheeze or cough when they have a cold or virus. This type often starts in toddlers and preschoolers. The good news? Many kids outgrow this kind of asthma as they get older
• Atopic or Allergic Asthma: This type is linked to allergies and often runs in families. Kids with this kind of asthma may have eczema, hay fever, or food allergies. This type tends to stick around longer and may need more ongoing care
• Exercise Induced Asthma: Some kids cough or feel a tight chest when they run or exercise intensely. Medicine can help them breathe more easily and compete on an equal playing field.

Is your child's asthma well controlled?

If your child has asthma, it's important to regularly review their asthma treatment plan with their pediatrician. If your child is due for a Well Care visit, be sure to discuss how well their asthma is controlled during the appointment. If they aren't due for a Well Care visit but have had changes in their symptoms or concerns about their asthma, schedule a dedicated asthma visit with their primary care provider.

Asthma affects the lungs in two ways: it causes the airways to tighten and become inflamed (swollen). That's why today's asthma treatment focuses on treating both airway constriction and inflammation to help children breathe easier and reduce the risk of serious flare-ups.

For many children ages 6 and older, this means using a single combination inhaler that contains both a quick-relief medication and an anti-inflammatory medication. Using one inhaler for both purposes can make asthma treatment simpler, easier to remember, and more effective at preventing severe asthma attacks.

Even if your child's asthma seems mild, these signs may mean it's not as well controlled as it could be. Talk with your pediatrician if, in the past year, your child has:

• Coughed longer than everyone else in the family after every cold
• Developed pneumonia
• Needed oral steroid medication for asthma
• Needed an urgent care or emergency room visit because of breathing problems
• Been hospitalized for asthma

These may be signs that your child's asthma treatment plan should be adjusted. Your pediatrician can help determine whether a different treatment approach is right for your child.

Why does this matter for your child?

Identifying asthma early and keeping it well controlled helps children breathe easier, feel better, and stay active. With the right care, kids with asthma can:

• Sleep better at night
• Play sports and run around without getting too tired
• Miss fewer days of school
• Stay out of the emergency room

What can you do as a parent?

At your child’s next check-up, talk to the doctor about any breathing problems. Even small things—like coughing at night or during exercise—can be signs of asthma. The earlier we know, the better we can help. If your child is coughing more intensely or having trouble breathing when sick, schedule to see a provider at Allegro’s same-day urgent care clinics.