Asthma is one of the most common chronic disorders that pediatricians diagnose in children and teens. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid shallow breathing, fatigue, easily winded especially after exercise, a persistent cough worse at night, and chest tightness.
Visit the pediatrician often
Even if symptoms seem well managed, regular pediatric visits let your doctor evaluate whether current medications are fully controlling symptoms.
Create an asthma action plan
Sit down with your child’s doctor to create a detailed plan outlining how you’re managing symptoms and what to do during an attack.
Alter your child’s lifestyle
Talk with your pediatrician about your child’s asthma triggers, like pet dander or pollen, and find ways to avoid them, including bathing pets weekly and keeping the house clean.