7 Things to Know About Your Child’s Asthma

Childhood asthma is one of the most common conditions affecting children today. Though it can be a challenging condition for families, you can help your child thrive and effectively manage their asthma with the right care and support.

Keep reading for tips to help your child breathe easier and get the support they need to manage asthma.

1. Asthma Is Manageable — With the Right Support

Asthma doesn’t have to hold your child back, and a team of supportive health care providers can make all the difference. At AdventHealth, our pediatric specialists work closely with families to provide compassionate, comprehensive care, offering guidance on medications, lifestyle adjustments and long-term management strategies. From diagnosis to long-term health management, we focus on your child’s whole health so they can focus on living their best childhood.

This whole-person approach to care allows us to support your child’s emotional well-being and developmental needs too. Whether your child is newly diagnosed or has been managing symptoms for years, our team is here to help you navigate every stage of care.

2. Know the Signs: How to Spot Asthma in Children

Recognizing signs of asthma early can make a big difference. Common symptoms include:

• Chest tightness or discomfort
• Fatigue due to poor sleep
• Persistent coughing, especially at night or after physical activity
• Shortness of breath during exercise or while playing
• Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing

If your child experiences any of these symptoms regularly, it’s time to talk to a pediatric specialist. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to effective childhood asthma treatment.

3. Triggers to Watch For — And How to Avoid Them

Asthma symptoms can be triggered by a variety of environmental and health factors. Some of the most common include:

• Cold, dry air
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Pet dander
• Pollen and other outdoor allergens
• Respiratory infections, like colds or flu
• Smoke, pollution or strong odors

Using advanced testing and imaging, our pediatric allergy and immunology specialists can help identify your child’s asthma triggers to reduce exposure and prevent flare-ups.

4. How AdventHealth Helps You Create an Asthma Action Plan

Asthma differs from child to child, so having a personalized care plan to meet your child’s unique needs is essential. Our pediatric specialists work with families to develop customized asthma action plans that outline:

• Daily medication schedules
• Instructions for using rescue inhalers
• Emergency contact information
• Guidelines for school and caregivers
• Steps to take during flare-ups

These plans are designed to empower families to manage your child’s asthma confidently and proactively to keep your child safe.

5. Medication Matters: Understanding Inhalers and Treatments

Asthma medications typically fall into two categories:

• Controller inhalers: Use daily to prevent asthma symptoms
• Rescue inhalers: Use during an asthma attack for quick relief

Our pediatric asthma experts ensure families understand how and when to use each type of inhaler correctly to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects, offering hands-on education and support to help your child feel whole.

6. When to Seek Emergency Care for Asthma

Sometimes, asthma symptoms can escalate quickly. Seek emergency care if your child:

• Can’t catch their breath
• Has lips or skin turning blue due to lack of oxygen
• Is having difficulty speaking in full sentences
• Loses consciousness
• Wheezes severely or coughs uncontrollably

Our pediatric-friendly AdventHealth emergency rooms are available 24/7 and equipped to handle asthma emergencies with specialized treatments like oxygen therapy, steroids and intensive care.

7. Helping Your Child Thrive at Home and School

Managing asthma isn’t just about medication — it’s a team effort that requires a supportive environment. Here are some tips for managing asthma at school and home:

• Encourage open communication and ask about how your child is feeling
• Ensure your child has access to their inhaler during school hours
• Monitor symptoms and triggers at home
• Share your child’s asthma action plan with teachers and school nurses
• Stay up-to-date on vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections

With the right tools and support, your child can enjoy a full, active life.

Helping Kids Breathe Easier

If your child is showing signs of asthma or you’re looking for expert guidance on managing their condition, we’re here to help. Our compassionate team specializes in pediatric asthma care, offering personalized treatment plans, education and ongoing support for families. From routine checkups to emergency care, we’re committed to helping your child breathe easier.

Learn more about our pulmonary care today.