Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease of the tubes (bronchia) that carry air to the lungs. It's often hard to diagnose because different children can show different types of symptoms. For example, one child may have frequent and long-lasting colds; another may cough throughout the night. Symptoms can begin or get worse when "triggered" by common allergens.

Children with asthma may also be sensitive to colds and other viral infections, cold air, particles or chemicals in the air, and/or rapid changes in air temperature. When asthma "flares up" - it is often called a "flare" or an "asthma attack."

Symptoms

During a flare, airways become swollen and inflamed, making them oversensitive and "twitchy." This leads to spasms that cause:

• Airway blockage
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath

Treatment

If your child has asthma symptoms, he or she should be evaluated and treated by his/her healthcare provider. Treatment includes controlling the inflammation of the airways with medications, and avoiding triggers. The most important thing to remember about treating asthma is that rapid response helps to manage and stop the asthma "attack" quickly.

It's not possible to prevent asthma, but you can work to help prevent asthma attacks. Once your child's healthcare provider has identified your child's asthma triggers, try to eliminate your child's exposure to them.