Talk with your child's provider to see if an MDI with VHC is right for your child. A VHC is a chamber that attaches to the MDI and holds the burst of medication. Your child may be able to use a metered dose inhaler (MDI) with a VHC. You will be giving your child asthma medications using a valved holding chamber (VHC) device or a home nebulizer (also known as a breathing machine). How do you give your child asthma medication? If your infant or child is having asthma symptoms that require treatment with a rescue inhaler (a bronchodilator, such as albuterol/levalbuterol) more than twice a week, your provider may prescribe a daily controller therapy (such as an anti-inflammatory medication). In the case of inhaled medications, a different delivery device based on the child's age and ability may be required. In addition to following the Asthma Action Plan, try to limit (and avoid, if possible) exposure to asthma triggers.Īsthma medications that adults and older children take can also safely be prescribed for toddlers and younger children. Keep it handy to remind you of your child's daily asthma management plan and to guide you when your child develops asthma symptoms. The Asthma Action Plan is important to the success of asthma control. Make sure you understand this plan and ask your child's provider any questions you may have. ![]() When to seek emergency care for your child.When and how your child should use asthma medication.The doctor may order other tests to help identify particular asthma triggers, including allergy skin testing and blood tests.īased on your child's history and how severe the asthma is, the healthcare provider will develop a care plan called an "Asthma Action Plan,” which describes: Children younger than 5 are usually unable to perform pulmonary function tests, so doctors rely heavily on history, symptoms, and physical examination in making the diagnosis. The results will help the provider determine how severe the asthma is. Tests: Many children will have a chest X-ray and pulmonary function (lung) tests, which measure the amount of air in the lungs and how fast it can be exhaled (breathed out ).Physical exam: During the physical examination, the doctor will listen to your child's heart and lungs.Be sure to describe your child's symptoms (cough, wheezing, shortness of breath with/without activity, increased work of breathing, chest pain or tightness) in detail, including when and how often these symptoms have been occurring. Medical history and symptom description: The healthcare provider will ask about any history of breathing problems your child may have, as well as a family history of asthma, allergies, a skin condition called eczema, or other lung diseases.However, the disease can often be diagnosed in older children based on the child's medical history, symptoms, and physical examination, and on certain tests: Your child may be referred to a specialist, such as a pediatric pulmonary provider or a pediatric allergist.Īsthma is often difficult to diagnose in infants. If your child has problems breathing, take him or her to the pediatrician for an evaluation. In addition, not all wheezing or coughing is caused by asthma. Symptoms can vary from episode to episode in the same child. Not all children have the same asthma symptoms. Retractions (see-saw motions) in the chest from difficulty breathing.Whistling sound (wheezing) when the child is breathing in or out. ![]() Complaint of chest tightness or the chest "hurting.". ![]() Frequent coughing spells, which may occur while the child is playing, laughing, or at night or right after waking.Signs and symptoms of asthma in children include: What are the signs and symptoms of asthma in children? In children who are under five years of age, the most common cause of asthma symptoms is upper respiratory viral infections such as the common cold. Being raised in a low-income environment.Exposure to tobacco smoke before and/or after birth.Family history of asthma, allergies and atopy (a genetic, or inherited, likelihood to develop allergies and asthma).There are many risk factors for developing childhood asthma. What makes a child more likely to develop asthma?
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