ASTHMA

Ana Patel
Jul 16
2 min read

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children, affecting millions of families around the world. While it can be scary to hear your child has asthma, the good news is that with proper care, most children with asthma lead full, active lives.

At Gold Star Pediatrics, we believe that informed parents are empowered parents. Here’s what you need to know about childhood asthma—its signs, triggers, treatments, and how to help your child thrive.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition that affects the airways in the lungs, causing them to become inflamed and narrowed. This can make it difficult for your child to breathe, especially during an asthma flare-up or “attack.”

Common asthma symptoms in children include:

Frequent coughing, especially at night
Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing out)
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Fatigue or difficulty keeping up during play

These symptoms can vary in severity from child to child and may come and go.

Common Triggers

Understanding your child’s asthma triggers is key to managing the condition. Some of the most common triggers include:

Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold
Viral infections like colds or the flu
Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
Cold air or weather changes
Air pollution and smoke
Strong emotions or stress

Keeping a symptom diary can help you and your pediatrician identify your child’s unique triggers.

Diagnosing Asthma in Children

Diagnosing asthma in young children can be tricky, especially since symptoms may overlap with other conditions. Your child’s doctor may use:

A thorough medical history and physical exam
Lung function tests (for children over 5)
Allergy testing
A trial of asthma medication to see if symptoms improve

If asthma is suspected, your pediatrician will work with you to create an asthma action plan tailored to your child’s needs.

Treatment and Management

While there’s no cure for asthma, it can be well-managed with a combination of:

Daily controller medications – Reduce airway inflammation (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids)
Rescue medications – Provide quick relief during an asthma attack (e.g., albuterol)
Avoiding triggers – Making changes at home or school to reduce exposure

Every child with asthma should have an Asthma Action Plan that outlines:

Daily medications
How to recognize worsening symptoms
What to do in an emergency

Helping Your Child Live Well with Asthma

With the right approach, your child can enjoy sports, school, and sleep without being limited by asthma. Here’s how you can support them:

Ensure they take medications as prescribed
Follow up regularly with your pediatrician
Notify teachers and caregivers about your child’s condition and action plan
Encourage healthy habits like regular handwashing, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco smoke

When to Call the Doctor

Call your pediatrician or seek emergency care if your child:

Is using their rescue inhaler more than twice a week
Has trouble speaking due to shortness of breath
Experiences blue lips or fingernails
Has symptoms that do not improve with usual medications

We’re Here to Help

At Gold Star Pediatrics PA our goal is to partner with families to keep children with asthma healthy and thriving. If you think your child may have asthma or need help managing an existing diagnosis, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

Book an appointment today and take the first step toward breathing easier.