Asthma is a disease of the bronchioles, which are the tubes that carry oxygen into the lungs. It is a common, chronic disease in children under 18 and causes inflammation of the airways. This may lead to wheezing and difficulty breathing when flared. Asthma may be difficult to diagnose in younger children, but physical examination and a history of reactions and patterns of illness can help us to diagnose your child.
Certain things may worsen asthma including:
- Changes in the weather
- Exposure to dust
- Pollens or smoke
- Upper respiratory illness
- Certain foods
You may reduce your child's exposure to triggers by identifying with your doctor what causes your child's asthma flares and avoiding these situations. Childhood asthma cannot be cured, but symptoms can be controlled with the right treatment plan to avoid long-term lung damage. Medications for asthma can be prescribed for your child using a nebulizer or inhaler device when needed.