Pediatric Asthma: Overview
The first asthmatic experience for a child can be frightening-heavy wheezing, a tight chest, and shortness of breath can quickly catch an active, young body off-guard. But after the first asthma attack (and with the advances made in diagnosing asthma, sometimes even before it appears with an attack) children don't need to be frightened and parents can ease their own worries. Asthma treatment has evolved into a very comprehensive process and the condition can be made manageable for even the most energetic of youngsters.
In the United States today, at least 5 million children have asthma. With the help of their medical care providers, routine monitoring, and proven treatments, they are still able to enjoy vibrant, healthy lives.
Your child can maintain his or her normal daily routine in spite of asthma--whether at school, home, or play--and you can be the biggest help. Learn some specific tips and consult the following resources to aid your kids in doing everything that they want to do.
Asthma Wizard
Check out the Asthma Wizard, a fun, animated way for kids to learn about asthma. Learn more.
Asthma Action Plans
An action plan is a written, customized plan to help you manage asthma episodes. Using the plan can help you and your family take action to manage your asthma. Read about what is included in an asthma action plan, how to use it, and see a sample of what one looks like. The specific asthma action plans for kids include:
Back-to-School Health Tips
In addition to school supplies and new clothes, parents of children with asthma need to make extra preparations to assure that their child is taken care of safely at school.
Asthma Care Checklist for Camp
This asthma checklist can help parents, children with asthma, and camp staff work together to provide a safe camp experience for children with asthma. Kids can be safe and have fun.
Childhood Asthma Control Test
A simple, new questionnaire can identify children with poorly controlled asthma who needlessly suffer asthma symptoms that limit their daily activities.
This information has been approved by David Tinkelman, MD (June 2009).
