Asthma in children - what to ask your doctor


Definition

Asthma is a problem with the airways that bring oxygen to your lungs. A child with asthma may not feel symptoms all the time. But when an asthma attack happens, it becomes hard for air to pass through the airways. The symptoms are:

Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your child's asthma.

Alternative Names

What to ask your doctor about asthma - child

Questions

Is my child taking asthma medicines the right way?

What are some signs that my child's asthma is getting worse and that I need to call the doctor? What should I do when my child feels short of breath?

What shots or vaccinations does my child need?

How do I find out when smog or pollution is worse?

What sort of changes should I make around the home?

What does my child's school or daycare need to know about my child's asthma?

What types of exercises or activities are better for a child with asthma to do?

Does my child need tests or treatments for allergies? What should I do when I know my child will be around something that triggers their asthma?

What type of arrangements do I need to make when we are planning to travel?

References

Dunn NA, Neff LA, Maurer DM. A stepwise approach to pediatric asthma. J Fam Pract. 2017;66(5):280-286. PMID: 28459888 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28459888/.

Jackson DJ, Lemanske RF, Bacharier LB. Management of asthma in infants and children. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 50.

Lieu AH, Spahn AD. Sicherer SH. Childhood asthma. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap169.


Review Date: 10/22/2022
Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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