If your child has asthma, they are not alone. Currently, about 4.5 million children in the U.S. have asthma. In fact, asthma is responsible for more missed days of school than any other chronic condition in children.
The most common type of asthma is allergic asthma. Allergic asthma describes a condition when allergens, like pollen, dust, mold, or animal dander trigger asthma symptoms.
About nine out of 10 children who have asthma have allergic asthma.
Typical signs and symptoms of allergic asthma include:
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- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness/pain
- Waking up at night due to asthma symptoms
Early Warning Signs of an Asthma Episode
You may be able to tell when an allergic asthma episode or attack is about to start before your child has trouble breathing or experiences other typical signs and symptoms of an asthma episode. Knowing their early warning signs (or mild symptoms) can be helpful so they can begin asthma treatment as soon as possible.
Early warning signs are different for everyone and can vary for each asthma episode. Some common early-warning asthma signs include:
- Changes in breathing
- Changes in mucus (sputum)
- Runny/stuffy/congested nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy/sore/scratchy throat
- Itchy neck or chin
- Itchy/watery eyes
- Dark circles under eyes
- Feeling tired, weak, or having no energy
- Moodiness
- Restless
- Not sleeping well
- Hoarse voice or dry mouth
- Paleness
- Tight chest
- Headache
- Poor tolerance for exercise
May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
This year marks the 40th year of May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Now is a great time to take advantage of the resources offered by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to learn more about asthma and allergies and how they can be managed to improve quality of life. Learn more at: aafa.org/awareness
Identifying and Treating Your Child’s Asthma
If your child is experiencing any early-warning asthma signs and symptoms, make an appointment with their healthcare provider. It is important to have the right diagnosis and start a treatment plan. Here are steps you can take to help manage and treat your child’s asthma.
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- Identify early warning signs. Make a list of their early warning signs so you can treat future asthma attacks and episodes before symptoms get worse.
- Get information about what to do when you notice the early warning signs of an asthma episode. Your child’s doctor or healthcare provider can offer you suggestions. They may have your child take quick-relief medicine, such as albuterol. Quick-relief medicines work to “relieve the squeeze” in the airways and aim to stop symptoms after they begin.
- Ask your doctor or healthcare provider to provide you with an asthma action plan. This written plan tells you what medicines your child should take and when. The plan should be reviewed with your healthcare provider to make sure it is effective and up to date.
Early Treatment Makes a Difference
If your child has signs of severe breathing problems, seek immediate medical attention. Asthma can be life-threatening.
When you see early signs and symptoms of asthma, start your child’s asthma treatment. When you treat asthma early, you can reduce the need for an emergency department visit. With asthma under control, your kids can sleep, play, and learn!
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This content was developed in partnership with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions through research, education, advocacy, and support. Learn more about AAFA at: aafa.org
AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). You can join our online patient support community at: aafa.org/join
