Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects about 7 million children nationwide. It is the third-ranking cause of hospitalizations for children under the age of 15 in the U.S. Asthma can be diagnosed at any age.
In a child with asthma, the breathing tubes are inflamed, tight and filled with more mucus than normal. All of these lead to asthma symptoms such as:
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Congestion
- Shortness of breath with physical activity
- Trouble breathing at night
- Trouble with cold viruses
- Recurrent croup, bronchitis or pneumonia
Although the exact cause of asthma is unknown, risk factors include:
- Genetics. Asthma runs in families, but we do not know everything about the genes related to asthma.
- Allergies. People with certain allergies have greater risk for asthma.
- Respiratory infections. Infants and young children with certain respiratory infections are more at risk to develop asthma.
- Environmental factors. Irritants like pollution and other environmental allergens are known to cause asthma symptoms.
Diagnosis of Asthma
If your child has symptoms of asthma, a Riley at IU Health doctor can perform the following tests and exams to make a diagnosis:
- Pulmonary function testing. This group of tests determines how well the lungs function. There are many different kinds of pulmonary function testing. The doctor may order just one or a few different ones to help make sure your child has asthma and not another lung problem.
- Spirometry. This is the most common kind of pulmonary function testing used for asthma. A spirometer measures the amount and speed of exhaled air.
- Chest X-ray. This imaging test can show additional lung conditions. Many times, children with asthma have a normal chest X-ray.
Treatments
Treatments
The goals of asthma management are to control symptoms with the lowest dose of daily medicine possible and to minimize risk. This includes maintaining normal body weight, doing aerobic exercises, eating a balanced diet and avoiding triggers. Triggers are factors that can make asthma symptoms worse. These include:
- Allergens such as foods, pollen, dust mites and pets
- Colds, flu and other upper respiratory infections
- Inhaled irritants such as secondhand smoke, perfumes, chemicals, strong smells, ozone, and particles in the air such as dust
- Cold air and other weather conditions
- Exercise or physical activity
- Strong emotions
When asthma is controlled, children can enjoy excellent quality of life and normal life expectancy.
Treatment for asthma includes:
- Long-term controller medicines. These are usually inhaled steroid medicines that reduce inflammation and swelling in the breathing tubes. These medicines are safe to use for many years, even for children, because they are small doses that affect only the lungs.
- Allergy medicine. Allergy medicines in pill or liquid form reduce the effects of allergens that can trigger asthma flare-ups.
- Quick relief medicine. These are inhalers or nebulizer treatments that help to open the breathing tubes quickly, but they only last a few hours. If asthma is well-controlled, this type of medicine is only needed twice a week or less.
- Oral steroids. These are used when a child is already in a bad asthma flare-up. If a child’s asthma is well-controlled, then they need this type of medicine only about once a year or less.
Asthma can be well-controlled with today’s medicines. Asthma can be life-threatening, but with good medicines and regular asthma checkups, scary asthma attacks and life-threatening situations can be avoided. A child whose asthma is well-controlled usually does not experience asthma problems, such as coughing and wheezing, more than twice a week. He or she can join in school, sports and all other daily physical activities.
Your child should receive an Asthma Action Plan (download in Support Services & Resources) that describes what to watch for, which medicines to use and when to take them.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- Asthma is a chronic lung condition that can be diagnosed at any age.
- Symptoms of asthma include coughing, chest pain and wheezing.
- Triggers are factors that can cause asthma flare-ups. You and your child should be aware of triggers so you know what to avoid.
- Asthma treatment typically includes inhaled steroids and sometimes allergy medicines.
- Children with well-controlled asthma can fully participate in sports and physical activities.
- All children with asthma should have an Asthma Action Plan (download in Support Services & Resources section).
Treatment Videos
Treatment Videos
Watch a series of educational videos from Riley Children's Health to learn more about asthma treatment at home.
Support Services & Resources
Support Services & Resources
Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.
Learn what an asthma action plan is and how asthma zones relate to your child's asthma action plan.
Follow this checklist to ensure your child's asthma stays controlled throughout the school year.
This in-depth resource from the doctors at Riley at IU Health provides step-by-step directions for using common asthma medicines.
The doctors at Riley at IU Health share ways to help your child relax during an asthma episode.
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research.
The CDC's National Asthma Control Program funds state and school programs that further asthma education and includes helpful resources on its website.
Asthma Research
Asthma Research
The Pulmonology & Respiratory Care and Allergy & Asthma departments at Riley at IU Health are actively involved in research studies focused on pediatric asthma. Ask your child's doctor for more information about current studies and your child's eligibility to participate in a clinical trial.
Locations
Locations
Locations
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.
Sort through 105 facilities offering Asthma care by entering your city or zip below.
Departments Treating This Condition
Departments Treating This Condition
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