Managing Childhood Asthma: Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Childhood asthma is the most common chronic disease affecting children today. It causes the airways in the lungs to become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult for children to breathe. Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness—often triggered by colds, allergies, exercise, or environmental irritants. While there is no cure for asthma, it can be effectively managed with early diagnosis, proper treatment, and long-term care planning.
Children are more likely to develop asthma if it runs in the family or if they also have allergic conditions. For parents and caregivers, understanding what asthma is—and how it affects a child at different stages of development—is essential for ensuring long-term health and well-being. If your child has been diagnosed with asthma or is showing signs of respiratory difficulty, schedule a conversation with your child’s healthcare provider to create a treatment plan that works for your family.
Diagnosing Asthma in Young Children
Many children who develop asthma experience their first symptoms before the age of five. However, diagnosing asthma in infants and toddlers can be challenging because the symptoms—such as wheezing, coughing, or labored breathing—can resemble those of other common childhood illnesses.
Some children wheeze during colds or respiratory infections simply because their airways are smaller and more easily inflamed. As children grow, these symptoms may subside and never return. Still, certain signs can suggest a higher likelihood that a child’s wheezing is caused by asthma. These include a family history of asthma, the presence of eczema or other allergic conditions, or wheezing that occurs even when the child isn’t sick.
If your child shows signs of persistent respiratory issues, your doctor may recommend allergy testing, a trial of asthma medications or pulmonary function testing as they get older. It’s important to monitor symptoms closely, particularly during illnesses, and to report any changes to your child’s pediatrician. Keeping a journal of events and symptoms can better help your care team with diagnosis and determine a treatment plan.
Transitioning from Masked Valved Holding Chambers to a Mouthpiece
As children mature, their ability to use asthma medication devices evolves. Between the ages of five and seven, many children are ready to transition from using a mask with their inhaler to a mouthpiece. This change usually happens when a child is able to create a strong seal around the mouthpiece and follow instructions.
Every child develops at their own pace, so the transition should be based on the child’s readiness and comfort level. Parents are encouraged to ask a doctor, nurse, or respiratory therapist to observe their child using the device and help determine the right time to make the switch. Monaghan Medical offers a range of pediatric-friendly products, including the AeroChamber Plus® Flow-Vu® Valved Holding Chamber, which is designed to optimize inhaler medication delivery for children using either a mask or mouthpiece. Use of this valved holding chamber allows for delivery into the lungs with a slow deep inhalation or tidal breathing through the device. Both techniques offer similar medication delivering into the lungs and may allow children to transition to a mouthpiece earlier.
Teaching Children Asthma Self-Management
Helping children build confidence in managing their asthma is one of the most important long-term strategies for good health. As they grow, children should gradually learn how to recognize their symptoms, use their inhaler correctly, and follow their asthma action plan. Pediatricians can help families set age-appropriate asthma goals, which should be reviewed and adjusted during regular visits as the child develops.
Several programs are available to support children as they build asthma management skills. The Open Airways For Schools program, developed by the American Lung Association, is designed for children ages 8 to 11 and teaches them how to identify triggers and make healthy choices. For older children, the Kickin’ Asthma program focuses on teens between ages 11 and 16, helping them take control of their condition in a more independent way.
Accessing and engaging school nurses can be a tremendous help during the school year. When children begin taking greater responsibility, it’s important to assess whether they are ready to carry and self-administer their quick-relief inhaler. Be sure to check with the child’s school to understand requirements and work with your care provider to ensure success. Resources like the Student Readiness Assessment Tool can help parents, school nurses, and other healthcare personnel determine whether a child is developmentally prepared to self-carry their medication.
Managing Asthma at School
Because children spend a large portion of their day at school, it’s vital that schools understand common triggers to help provide a safe environment for those with asthma. Poor indoor air quality, exposure to allergens, and limited access to inhalers can all increase the risk of asthma flare-ups during the school day. Parents should work closely with school staff, including teachers, nurses, and administrators, to ensure that their child’s asthma action plan is understood and followed.
The Back to School with Asthma initiative from the American Lung Association offers helpful checklists and educational resources for parents and educators. Monaghan Medical also provides downloadable resources, such as the Asthma Action Plan for Home and School, which allows families to create a personalized plan to share with caregivers and school personnel.
Supporting Teens with Asthma
Adolescence can be a complicated time for asthma management. As teens seek more independence, they may resist using their medication or following their care plan—especially if they feel different from their peers. Hormonal changes during puberty can also affect asthma control, sometimes increasing the frequency or severity of symptoms even in teens who previously had stable asthma.
It’s important for parents to maintain open communication with their teen about asthma, including the importance of using medication consistently and the risks of ignoring symptoms. Teen-focused education programs and support from school nurses or pediatric providers can help reinforce the need for self-care. Reinforcing routines, making appointments part of their responsibility, and encouraging honest discussions can ease this transition and prevent setbacks.
Asthma in Young Adults
Eventually, most children with asthma grow up and must begin managing their condition independently. For young adults, this means learning how to schedule doctor’s appointments, keep up with medication refills, recognize symptom changes, and advocate for themselves in healthcare settings.
Parents can support this transition by helping their child build these habits early—such as making their own appointments or learning how to navigate insurance coverage. Online resources, such as Get Asthma Management Tips for Young Adults from the CDC, offer valuable guidance for this stage of life.
At Monaghan Medical, we continue to support patients through every stage of asthma management with advanced delivery devices and educational tools that promote independence and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Childhood Asthma
What are the signs that my child might have asthma?
Signs of childhood asthma often include frequent coughing (especially at night), wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These symptoms may worsen during exercise, exposure to allergens, or respiratory infections. If your child seems to get “every cold” worse than other kids or has trouble breathing after playing, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Can young children be diagnosed with asthma?
Yes, many children show signs of asthma before the age of five. However, diagnosing asthma in young children can be tricky because symptoms often mimic those of common colds or bronchitis. A history of wheezing, especially when the child is not sick, along with a family history of asthma or allergies, may suggest a diagnosis. Your doctor might monitor symptoms over time and recommend a trial of asthma medication to see if it helps.
Is childhood asthma permanent?
Not always. As some children grow, asthma symptoms may decrease or no longer cause breathing issues. However, many children with asthma continue to experience symptoms into adolescence or adulthood. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is the best way to monitor your child’s condition and adjust the care plan as needed.
How can I help my child manage their asthma?
An effective way to manage childhood asthma is by following an individualized asthma action plan. This includes using controller medications as prescribed, avoiding known triggers, and ensuring your child carries a quick-relief inhaler. Devices like the AeroChamber Plus® Flow-Vu® help children use their inhalers correctly. Over time, children can be taught how to recognize their symptoms and manage them independently.
When should my child start carrying their own inhaler?
Many children are ready to self-carry their asthma inhaler between the ages of 8 and 12, depending on their maturity and ability to use the device correctly. Ask your doctor or school nurse for guidance. The Student Readiness Assessment Tool from the American Lung Association can help parents determine if their child is ready.
How does asthma affect my child at school?
Asthma can impact your child’s concentration, energy, and attendance at school. That’s why it’s important to communicate with school staff about your child’s condition. Make sure the school has a copy of your child’s asthma action plan and access to their medications. Monaghan offers a printable Asthma Action Plan for Home and School that you can take to your doctor and share with your child’s school.
Are there programs that can help children learn to manage their asthma?
Yes. Programs like Open Airways For Schools and Kickin’ Asthma are designed to help kids build confidence in managing their asthma. These programs teach children how to recognize triggers, use their medication correctly, and advocate for themselves—skills that can lead to better long-term outcomes.
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
For questions about the clinical references, therapeutic claims, or product usage described herein, please contact Monaghan Medical Corporation.
