Asthma/Cough Treatment

Growing Up Children's Clinic

Childhood asthma is the same lung disease adults get, but kids often have different symptoms. Doctors also call this pediatric asthma.

If your child has asthma, their lungs and airways can easily get inflamed when they have a cold or are around things like pollen. The symptoms may make it hard for your child to do everyday activities or sleep. Sometimes, an asthma attack can result in a trip to the hospital.

There’s no cure for asthma in children, but you can work with your child’s doctor to treat it and prevent damage to their growing lungs.

Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Asthma

Not all children have the same asthma symptoms. A child may even have different symptoms from one episode to the next. Signs and symptoms of asthma in children include:

  • A cough that doesn’t go away (which may be the only symptom)
  • Coughing spells that happen often, especially during play or exercise, at night, in cold air, or while laughing or crying
  • A cough that gets worse after a viral infection
  • Less energy during play, and stopping to catch their breath during activities
  • Avoiding sports or social activities
  • Trouble sleeping because of coughing or breathing problems
  • Rapid breathing
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Trouble eating, or grunting while eating (in infants)
Childhood Asthma Treatment

Based on your child's history and how severe their asthma is, their doctor will develop a care plan, called an asthma action plan. This describes when and how your child should use asthma medications, what to do when asthma gets worse, and when to seek emergency care. Make sure you understand this plan, and ask your child's doctor any questions you may have.

Your child's asthma action plan is important for controlling their asthma. Keep it handy to remind you of your child's daily management plan, as well as to guide you when your child has asthma symptoms. Give copies to your child’s caregivers, teachers, and even the bus driver so they’ll know what to do if the child has an asthma attack away from home.

In addition to following your child's asthma action plan, you want to make sure exposure to asthma triggers is limited, and preferably avoided.