Childhood asthma: What every parent should know

Asthma affects about 5 million children in the U.S., making it the most common chronic childhood disease. We talked with Seema Salvi, MD, a pediatrician with Three Rivers Health Family Care Three Rivers, to learn more about childhood asthma and how parents can manage it.

Symptoms of asthma in kids

Asthma can be diagnosed before a child has a full-blown asthma attack. Dr. Salvi advises parents to be aware of the following symptoms:

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when your child exhales)
• Coughing, especially during the night or early morning
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain

There can be more subtle signs as well, such as fatigue, irritability and poor sleep. Your child might not want to run and play as much as other kids. Very young children may ask to be carried more often. You might notice that when breathing, the skin around your child’s nostrils or ribs pulls in (this is called “retraction”).

Rapid breathing, nasal congestion and recurring respiratory infections can also be signs of asthma. Should you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to share them with your child’s pediatrician.

Preventing and managing triggers

If your child is diagnosed with asthma, it’s important to identify triggers — the things that make it more difficult for your child to breathe — so they can be avoided.

Strong odors (good or bad) can be a trigger, so Dr. Salvi recommends avoiding fragrances, air fresheners and scented candles. If painting is taking place in your home, keep your child away from those areas.

Not surprisingly, tobacco smoke can be a trigger. “Don’t smoke around your child,” says Dr. Salvi, “and keep your child away from smoky environments.” Cleaning is very important; in particular, be sure to clean and dust your home’s heating and air conditioning vents regularly.

Cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals, however, so Dr. Salvi recommends opening windows and doors while housecleaning. “Remove cleaning products or other household products that may irritate your child’s airways,” Dr. Salvi says. You can consider switching to unscented or more natural products, such as vinegar and baking soda.

Several other habits can help you protect your child.

• Check daily pollen count reports. If the numbers are high, limit your child’s time outdoors.
• Encourage your child to be active and help them maintain a healthy weight. Supporting their overall health is important, and exercise can actually improve lung function.
• Give your child allergy medicine as directed by their healthcare team.

Creating an action plan

Parents of a child with asthma will find an asthma action plan invaluable. “Essentially, it’s a personalized guide to managing asthma effectively,” explains Dr. Salvi. “It outlines the steps to take to manage asthma symptoms, identify triggers, know when to use medication and know what to do during an asthma attack, including when to seek emergency care.”

Most action plans come from a pulmonologist, a physician who specializes in breathing issues. The asthma action plan is usually discussed with parents, although providers are happy to provide a written plan.

Childhood asthma is a manageable condition. “About half of the children with asthma outgrow it by their teenage years,” says Dr. Salvi. Some will carry it into adulthood. “But if it is managed well, they will have a healthy lifestyle.”

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