Asthma in Children: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (2024)

How is asthma in childhood treated?

Childhood asthma treatment includes the development of an “asthma action plan” with your child’s provider. The plan will detail ways to manage your child’s symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. The plan will also describe:

• When and how your child should use asthma medication.
• What to do when their asthma gets worse.
• When to seek emergency care for your child.

Make sure you understand this plan and ask your child’s provider any questions you may have. The asthma action plan is important to the success of managing your child’s asthma. Keep it handy to remind you of your child’s daily asthma management plan and to guide you when your child develops asthma symptoms. You should also give a copy of the asthma action plan to your child’s school staff and other caregivers.

In addition to following the asthma action plan, try to limit (and avoid, if possible) exposure to asthma triggers. Your child’s provider can help you with strategies to avoid triggers.

Childhood asthma medications

Childhood asthma medications include the same medications that adults and older children take but in different forms and dosages. In the case of inhaled medications, your child may need to use a different delivery device based on their age and ability.

Depending on the severity of your child’s condition, they may need to take medicine only as needed or every day. Some medicines help prevent or relieve symptoms of an asthma attack. Other medicines work to control or prevent the swelling of your child’s airways.

Quick-relief medicines

Quick-relief medicines, or short-term relief medicines, help prevent or relieve asthma symptoms. If your child has mild asthma or their condition only occurs with physical activity, a quick-relief medicine may be all they need. These types of medicines include an inhaler your child will carry at all times.

Types of quick-relief medicines include:

• Short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs): SABAs, such as albuterol, can quickly open your child’s airways to let air flow through them during an asthma attack. They also help prevent attacks caused by physical activity. SABAs used to be called “rescue” medicine or inhalers. Providers now prefer the term “quick-relief” because you can and should use the medicine for any asthma symptom, not just for asthma attacks.
• Short-acting anticholinergics: Anticholinergics, such as ipratropium bromide, a rapid-acting bronchodilator, can also help open your child’s airways quickly. Anticholinergics may be less effective than SABAs. But some children develop side effects from SABAs, and anticholinergics are a good alternative option.
• Systemic corticosteroids: Corticosteroids can help reduce the swelling (inflammation) in your child’s airways caused by asthma symptoms. Your child can take these medicines by mouth (orally) or by injection. They can also quickly help your child recover after an asthma attack.

Long-term control medicines

Your child’s provider may also prescribe medications for them to take daily to help prevent asthma attacks and control their symptoms. These medicines prevent your child’s airways from narrowing and can help reduce inflammation.

Types of long-term control medicines include:

• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are an anti-inflammatory medication that can help reduce swelling (inflammation). Your child may take them by mouth (orally), but providers prefer the inhaled form. Your child can take the medicine in a liquid form (used in a nebulizer), in a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or in a dry powder inhaler (DPI). When using an MDI, your child must always use a valved holding chamber.
• Leukotriene modifiers: These medicines can help reduce swelling in your child’s airways and keep them open. Your child’s provider may prescribe them alone or with corticosteroids. Leukotriene modifiers work by decreasing the effects of a chemical in your child’s body called leukotriene.
• Long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs): LABAs help prevent your child’s airways from narrowing by relaxing the muscles that surround them. Your child’s provider will often prescribe them with a corticosteroid. They may recommend a LABA when a standard dose of an inhaled steroid isn’t enough to manage your child’s daily symptoms. A LABA must be used with an inhaled steroid (this is called combination therapy).

Complications/side effects of the treatment

Most people tolerate asthma medications well, and providers find that the benefits of the medications usually outweigh any risks. However, all medications can have potential side effects. Asthma medication can lead to side effects such as:

• Rash or swelling.
• Oral thrush.
• Increased heart rate.
• Nervousness.
• Weight gain.
• Headache.

If your child develops severe side effects, talk to their provider about adjusting their dose or changing their medication.