{"id":4088,"date":"2022-08-08T01:36:55","date_gmt":"2022-08-08T05:36:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma-in-children\/"},"modified":"2025-12-08T15:09:43","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T20:09:43","slug":"asthma-in-children","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/living-with-asthma\/asthma-in-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Asthma in Children"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Asthma T-Hero Section&#8221; module_class=&#8221;hero tert&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/AAFA-Website_Tertiary_Asthma.jpg&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_right&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1%||1%||true|false&#8221; global_module=&#8221;2247&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;bottom_left&#8221; background_horizontal_offset=&#8221;0%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2%||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Nav Parent Title&#8221; module_class=&#8221;tert-parent&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;32px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Asthma<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Breadcrumbs&#8221; module_class=&#8221;bcrumb&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;font-size:16px;||color: #fff;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Main Content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;bottom_right&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2%||2%||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_3,1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;H2 + Intro Content&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;24px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Asthma in Children<\/h2>\n<p>Around 4.9 million children in the United States have <a href=\"\/asthma\/\">asthma<\/a>.<sup>1<\/sup> Asthma is one of the most common chronic (long-term) diseases in children. It is also one of the main causes for missed school days.<sup>2\u00a0<\/sup>It cannot be cured, but it can be managed.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;24px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Childhood asthma tends to affect more male children than female children.<sup>1<\/sup> But during adulthood, females have higher rates of asthma than males. Some studies suggest that the increase in testosterone hormone in males decreases swelling in the airways.<sup>3<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Some children have a higher risk of asthma. Asthma rates are highest in children who are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Living in households with lower incomes<\/li>\n<li>Puerto Rican<\/li>\n<li>Black<\/li>\n<li>Indigenous, Native American, Alaska Native<\/li>\n<li>Living in inner cities<\/li>\n<li>Living near high amounts of air pollution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; What Are Symptoms of Asthma in Children?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>What Are Symptoms of Asthma in Children?<\/h3>\n<p>People can develop asthma at any age.\u00a0But asthma often starts in childhood. <a href=\"\/asthma\/living-with-asthma\/asthma-in-infants\/\">Asthma signs and symptoms in infants and toddlers<\/a>\u00a0may also be different from older children and teens.<\/p>\n<p>The signs and symptoms of asthma in a baby or toddler include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Coughing (persistent, repeated, and\/or at night)<\/li>\n<li>Fast or rapid breathing<\/li>\n<li>Working harder to breathe\n<ul>\n<li>Nostrils flaring<\/li>\n<li>Skin is sucking in around and between ribs or above the sternum<\/li>\n<li>Exaggerated belly movement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Panting with normal activities such as playing<\/li>\n<li>Wheezing (a whistling sound)<\/li>\n<li>Trouble sucking or eating<\/li>\n<li>Tiredness, not interested in normal or favorite activities<\/li>\n<li>Cyanosis, a tissue color change on mucus membranes (tongue, lips, and around the eyes) and fingertips or nail beds \u2013 cyanosis appears grayish or whitish on darker skin tones and bluish on lighter skin tones\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Signs and symptoms of asthma in school-age children and teens may include some of the symptoms above as well as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Shortness of breath<\/li>\n<li>Cough<\/li>\n<li>Chest tightness or pain<\/li>\n<li>Wheeze (a whistling sound when you breathe)<\/li>\n<li>Waking at night due to asthma symptoms)<\/li>\n<li>A drop in their peak flow meter reading (if your child uses one)<\/li>\n<li>Exercise intolerance (not able to do physical activity that\u2019s normal for their age)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Tan Callout Box &#8211; September Asthma Epidemic&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; link_font=&#8221;||||on|||#008c99|&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; link_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; ul_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;28px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#F5EDDF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>September Asthma Peak<\/h3>\n<p>September is often the worst month for people with asthma, especially children. During this month, there is an increase in asthma attacks, emergency room visits, asthma-related hospital stays, and even deaths. It is called Asthma Peak Month, or the September Asthma Epidemic.<\/p>\n<p>Several factors can affect people with asthma at the same time during September.\u00a0<a href=\"\/allergies\/types-of-allergies\/pollen-allergy\/ragweed-pollen\/\">Ragweed pollen<\/a>, the most common fall pollen allergen, peaks in September in the United States.\u00a0<a href=\"\/allergies\/types-of-allergies\/mold-allergy\/\">Mold counts<\/a>\u00a0go up as leaves collect outside. Children return to school and are exposed to\u00a0<a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/\">respiratory illnesses<\/a>, such as the flu, respiratory syncytial [sin-SISH-uhl] virus (RSV), COVID-19, and colds. Extreme weather events and wildfires can also expose people to asthma and allergy triggers as well.<\/p>\n<p>Many school buildings and facilities throughout the U.S. have poor\u00a0<a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/air-pollution-smog-asthma\/indoor-air-quality\/\">indoor air quality<\/a> and they need on-going maintenance and repair. This can expose children with asthma to allergens, triggers, and irritants, such as indoor mold, dust, and pests. Also, schools may also use harsh, strong-smelling cleaning chemicals, which can also trigger asthma.<\/p>\n<p>Everyone with asthma needs to take extra precautions during September.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Follow your Asthma Action Plan. If your child has asthma, make sure their child care center, other caregivers, or school has a copy on file.<\/li>\n<li>Talk with your doctor if your asthma is not well-controlled. They can make changes to your Asthma Action Plan if needed.<\/li>\n<li>Always carry your quick-relief medicines with you.<\/li>\n<li>Get vaccines for the flu and COVID-19.<\/li>\n<li>Take steps to avoid getting sick, such as washing your hands, wearing an appropriate face mask (such as an N95 mask), not touching your face, and avoiding people who are sick.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid your asthma and allergy triggers as much as possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; What Causes Asthma in Children?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>What Causes Asthma in Children?\u200b<\/h3>\n<p>Experts don\u2019t know exactly what causes asthma in children. But the following risk factors may make a child more likely to have asthma:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Family history of asthma<\/li>\n<li>Respiratory illnesses, such as flu, RSV, and colds<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/allergies\/\">Allergies<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"\/allergies\/allergy-symptoms\/skin-allergies\/eczema\/\">eczema (atopic dermatitis)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>A mother who smoked during pregnancy<\/li>\n<li>Exposure to\u00a0<a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/secondhand-smoke-environmental-tobacco-asthma\/\">secondhand and thirdhand tobacco smoke or e-cigarette aerosol<\/a> after birth<\/li>\n<li>Living in an area with high\u00a0<a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/air-pollution-smog-asthma\/\">air pollution<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Upper respiratory infections caused by viruses are the most common trigger for children with asthma.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; How Do Doctors Diagnose and Treat Asthma in Children?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>How Do Doctors Diagnose and Treat Asthma in Children?<\/h3>\n<p>To\u00a0<a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-diagnosis\/\">diagnose asthma in a child<\/a>, a doctor will ask about medical and family history, do a physical exam, and do lung function tests, if possible. This testing can usually be performed in people ages 5 years and older. They may also do\u00a0<a href=\"\/allergies\/allergy-diagnosis\/\">allergy testing<\/a>. If your child is too young or unable to do a lung function test, the doctor may prescribe a trial of asthma medicine to see if their symptoms get better.<\/p>\n<p>It is important to get proper treatment for your child\u2019s asthma. This will help them feel better, participate in all activities including sports, and miss fewer school days. It can also prevent permanent lung damage.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3332\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-education-asthma-top-reason-for-children-missed-school-1.png\" alt=\"Asthma is top reason for missed school days\" width=\"450\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-education-asthma-top-reason-for-children-missed-school-1-980x980.png 980w, https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-education-asthma-top-reason-for-children-missed-school-1-480x480.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-treatment\/\">Treatment for asthma in children<\/a>\u00a0involves:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Avoiding or reducing\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/\"><strong>asthma triggers<\/strong><\/a>. To do this, you need to know what triggers your child\u2019s asthma and then take steps to manage those triggers. Once you know your child&#8217;s triggers, you can control or manage them. (Use <a href=\"\/allergies\/prevent-allergies\/healthier-home-indoor-air-quality\/\">AAFA\u2019s Healthier Home Checklist<\/a> to help you.) Triggers can include:\n<ul>\n<li>Respiratory infections caused by viruses<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/exercise-induced-asthma\/\">Exercise and physical activity<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Cold and dry air<\/li>\n<li>Big temperature and\u00a0<a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/weather-triggers-asthma\/\">weather<\/a>\u00a0changes<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/allergies\/types-of-allergies\/\">Allergens<\/a>\u00a0(like pet dander, dust mites, pollen)<\/li>\n<li>Strong odors, irritants, chemicals<\/li>\n<li>Smoke (wildfire, cooking, cigarette, vaping)<\/li>\n<li>Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/air-pollution-smog-asthma\/\">Indoor and outdoor air pollution<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/emotions-stress-depression\/\">Strong emotions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>Giving your child their asthma medicines as prescribed.<\/strong>\u00a0They may need to take medicines daily, as needed, or both. This will depend on how severe your child\u2019s asthma is and the type of medicine they take. Some asthma medicines work to control (or prevent) inflammation (swelling) in their airways. Other asthma medicines relieve the muscles that tighten and squeeze your airways and aim to stop symptoms after they begin. (Learn more about the <a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-treatment\/\">different types of asthma medicines<\/a> and how they work.)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong>Following an\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-treatment\/asthma-treatment-action-plan\/\"><strong>Asthma Action Plan<\/strong><\/a>. It\u2019s important to know the signs and symptoms of asthma and when to give your child their medicines. An Asthma Action Plan can help you manage your child\u2019s asthma. It can also help school nurses, teachers, and babysitters manage asthma in the children they are caring for and know what to do in an asthma emergency. Ask your child\u2019s doctor or health care provider to provide you with an Asthma Action Plan in written form. This plan should be reviewed with your child\u2019s health care provider to make sure it is effective and up to date.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><strong>Taking care of your child\u2019s overall health.\u00a0<\/strong>One of the top causes of asthma symptoms in children is respiratory infections caused by viruses. All kids get sick from time to time, and it lets their immune system learn to fight off certain illnesses. But some infections can worsen asthma. Help your child stay healthy by reducing your family\u2019s exposure to illnesses such as RSV, croup, the flu, COVID-19, and bronchitis. You can do this by getting recommended vaccines, good hand washing, and wearing an appropriate face mask when these contagious illnesses are spreading in your family and community.<\/p>\n<p>You can also keep your child healthier by protecting them from exposure to tobacco smoke and e-cigarette aerosol. If you or a loved one smokes tobacco cigarettes or vapes, there are programs to help you quit. Resources to support your journey to a smoke-free life include:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/smokefree.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Smokefree.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<li>1-800-<strong><em>QUIT<\/em><\/strong>-NOW<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/campaign\/tips\/quit-smoking\/quitstart-app\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">quitSTART app<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 60px;\">You can also call your insurance company or your employer to see if they offer tobacco cessation programs and benefits.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 60px;\">Most children with asthma also have allergies. By treating their allergies, it will help their asthma stay under control, too.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 60px;\">When your child\u2019s asthma is under control, you can expect:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Few or no symptoms<\/li>\n<li>No interruptions to their daily activities (school, play, exercise) or sleep<\/li>\n<li>The ability to take part in sports and physical activity<\/li>\n<li>Fewer missed school days<\/li>\n<li>Prevention of acute (sudden) asthma attacks<\/li>\n<li>Fewer trips to urgent care, emergency room visits, and hospital stays<\/li>\n<li>Less need for quick-relief medicines<\/li>\n<li>Improved overall quality of life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; Can My Child Outgrow Asthma?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Can My Child Outgrow Asthma?\u200b<\/h3>\n<p>Asthma is a life-long disease with no cure. As your child gets older, their asthma symptoms may get better and appear to \u201cgo away.\u201d But airway inflammation may never truly go away. It often returns later in life. They may also develop new asthma triggers over time that could cause symptoms to reappear and get worse.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Medical Review&#8221; module_class=&#8221;med-rev clearfix&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; link_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_5_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_5_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><small>Medical Review: July 2024 by John James, MD<\/small><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; open_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f0f0f0&#8243; closed_toggle_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f0f0f0&#8243; toggle_icon=&#8221;&#x4c;||divi||400&#8243; icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; use_icon_font_size=&#8221;on&#8221; icon_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Accordion &#8211; References&#8221; module_class=&#8221;accord&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; toggle_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; closed_toggle_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; closed_toggle_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; body_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; body_line_height=&#8221;1.4em&#8221; body_link_font=&#8221;||||on|||#008C99|&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; height_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; height_phone=&#8221;&#8221; height_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||2%||false|false&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;0px&#8221; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Closed&#8221; open=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;References&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>National Center for Health Statistics. <em>NHIS Child Summary Health Statistics. <\/em>Data accessed October 7, 2024. Available from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/data.cdc.gov\/d\/wxz7-ekz9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/data.cdc.gov\/d\/wxz7-ekz9<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Asthma-related Missed School Days among Children aged 5-17 years. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/asthma\/asthma_stats\/missing_days.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/asthma\/asthma_stats\/missing_days.htm<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Fuseini, H., &amp; Newcomb, D. C. (2017). Mechanisms Driving Gender Differences in Asthma. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 17(3).\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11882-017-0686-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11882-017-0686-1<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Print&#8221; module_id=&#8221;print&#8221; module_class=&#8221;clearfix&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_module=&#8221;5156&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/living-with-asthma\/asthma-in-children\/print\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" title=\"Print post\"><svg class=\"WP-PrintIcon wp-print-icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6 2h8v4H6z\" \/><path d=\"M3 7h14v7h-3v-3H6v3H3z\" \/><path d=\"M6 12h8v6H6z\" \/><\/svg> Print post<\/a> [\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;6%||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_video src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=5HQFscbONHI&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;YT Video &#8211; Pediatric Asthma: Early Warning Signs &#038; Take Action PSA&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_module=&#8221;20818&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_video src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9R9JVaR3CsE&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;YT Video &#8211; Tips to Control Child&#8217;s Allergic Asthma PSA&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_module=&#8221;18250&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_video src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xd9Wx0NXbsI&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;YT Video &#8211; Allergic Asthma in Children PSA&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_module=&#8221;18274&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Support Our Work Blurb&#8221; module_class=&#8221;sidebar-blurb&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; link_font=&#8221;|600||on|||||&#8221; link_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#692d87&#8243; link_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_4_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_4_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;#692d87&#8243; header_4_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/scribble.png&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; global_module=&#8221;601&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h4>Support Our Work<\/h4>\n<p>Over the past 15 years, there have been moderate advances in U.S. public policy, health care and research, but racial gaps in asthma outcomes have not changed. Minority groups continue to bear disproportionate hardship in managing asthma.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/get-involved\/make-a-donation\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Donate Today &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;\/asthma\/&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Asthma Resources&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Asthma Resources Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_use_icon=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;width:100%;&#8221; global_module=&#8221;613&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;\/allergies\/&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Allergy Resources&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Allergy Resources Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;width: 100%;&#8221; global_module=&#8221;598&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; button_text__hover_enabled=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_image _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Sharecare_ChildhoodAsthma_AAFA_website_01_450x800&#8243; src=&#8221;https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Sharecare_ChildhoodAsthma_AAFA_website_01_450x800.png&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.sharecare.com\/lung-health\/asthma\/managing-childhood-asthma?cbr=AAFA10292502 &#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Sharecare Sidebar &#8211; Adult Asthma CEC Ad&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Blog Feed Section &#8211; Asthma&#8221; module_class=&#8221;int-blog-ftr&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#F5EDDF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2%||2%||false|false&#8221; top_divider_color=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; top_divider_flip=&#8221;horizontal&#8221; bottom_divider_color=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; bottom_divider_height=&#8221;50px&#8221; bottom_divider_arrangement=&#8221;above_content&#8221; global_module=&#8221;9020&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;2&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||1%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2025-asthma-capitals-general-BT.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Chick-fil-A product change alert&#8221; title_text=&#8221;2025-asthma-capitals-general-BT&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma-allergy-research\/our-research\/asthma-capitals\/&#8221; show_bottom_space=&#8221;off&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Blog Link Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.6em&#8221; link_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; link_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; link_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; link_line_height=&#8221;1.6em&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; height=&#8221;105px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;5%|4%|4%|8%|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; text_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; text_text_color__hover=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; link_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; link_text_color__hover=&#8221;#692D87&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma-allergy-research\/our-research\/asthma-capitals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2025 Asthma Capitals Report<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/inhaler-price-cap-announcement-AZ-BT.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Various asthma medicines and inhalant equipment&#8221; title_text=&#8221;inhaler-price-cap-announcement-AZ-BT&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-35-price-cap-on-asthma-inhalers&#8221; show_bottom_space=&#8221;off&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Blog Link Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.6em&#8221; link_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; link_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; link_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; link_line_height=&#8221;1.6em&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; height=&#8221;105px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;5%|4%|4%|8%|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; text_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; text_text_color__hover=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; link_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; link_text_color__hover=&#8221;#692D87&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-35-price-cap-on-asthma-inhalers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What You Need to Know About the $35 Price Cap on Asthma Inhalers<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/brand-name-vs-generic-difference-BT.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Milk Allergy Alert&#8221; title_text=&#8221;brand-name-vs-generic-difference-BT&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\/difference-brand-name-generic-authorized-generic-authorized-generic-drugs&#8221; show_bottom_space=&#8221;off&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Blog Link Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.6em&#8221; link_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; link_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; link_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; link_line_height=&#8221;1.6em&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; height=&#8221;105px&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;5%|4%|4%|8%|false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; text_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; text_text_color__hover=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; link_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; link_text_color__hover=&#8221;#692D87&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\/difference-brand-name-generic-authorized-generic-authorized-generic-drugs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What\u2019s the Difference Between Brand Name, Generic, and Authorized Generic Drugs?<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;View More Link&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; link_font=&#8221;|600||on|||||&#8221; link_text_align=&#8221;right&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; link_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;right&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; link_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; link_text_color__hover=&#8221;#692D87&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View more blog articles &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AsthmaAsthma in Children Around 4.9 million children in the United States have asthma.1 Asthma is one of the most common chronic (long-term) diseases in children. It is also one of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":3179,"parent":4165,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"About Hero Section\" _builder_version=\"4.17.5\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_image=\"2723\" background_position=\"center_right\" custom_padding=\"2%||2%||true|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_module=\"1511\" saved_tabs=\"all\" collapsed=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" alt=\"About AAFA\" title_text=\"AAFA-Website_Secondary_About\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"] [et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_image=\"2724\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"bottom_left\" background_horizontal_offset=\"0%\" background_vertical_offset=\"-5%\" custom_margin=\"|||0px|false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||true|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"] [et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"|||5%|false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_post_title meta=\"off\" featured_image=\"off\" admin_label=\"Page Title\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" title_font=\"|600|||||||\" title_text_color=\"#FFFFFF\" title_font_size=\"62px\" background_enable_image=\"off\" background_size=\"contain\" background_position=\"center_left\" module_alignment=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"8%||0px||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_code admin_label=\"Breadcrumbs\" module_class=\"bcrumb\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_orientation=\"left\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"||||false|false\" custom_css_main_element=\"font-size:16px;||color: #fff;\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][wpseo_breadcrumb][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"Main Content\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" background_enable_image=\"off\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"bottom_right\" custom_padding=\"2%||2%||true|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"] [et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"] [et_pb_text admin_label=\"Page Content\" module_class=\"secondary-intro\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_text_color=\"#505050\" text_font_size=\"24px\" text_line_height=\"1.5em\" header_2_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_2_text_color=\"#008c99\" header_2_font_size=\"39px\" custom_margin=\"||3%||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p><div id=\"page\" class=\"page-global\"><div id=\"BodyTextEditor\"><p>Around 7.5 million children in the United States have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma.aspx\">asthma<\/a>. Asthma is one of the most common chronic (long-term) diseases in children. It is also one of the main causes for missed school days.<sup>1 <\/sup>It cannot be cured, but it can be managed.<\/p><p>Childhood asthma tends to affect more male children than female children. But adult females have higher rates of asthma than males. Some studies suggest that the increase in testosterone hormone in males decreases swelling in the airways.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p><p>Some children have a higher risk of asthma. Asthma rates are highest in children who are:<\/p><ul><li>Poor<\/li><li>Puerto Rican<\/li><li>Black<\/li><li>Indigenous, Native American, Alaska Native<\/li><li>Living in inner cities<\/li><li>Living near high amounts of air pollution<\/li><\/ul><h3>What Are Symptoms of Asthma in Children?<\/h3><p>Most children with asthma will show symptoms before they turn 5 years old.<sup>3<\/sup> However, people can develop asthma at any age. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-in-infants\/\">Asthma signs and symptoms in infants and toddlers<\/a> may also be different from older children and teens.<\/p><p>The signs and symptoms of asthma in a baby or toddler include:<\/p><ul><li>Fast breathing<\/li><li>Working harder to breathe<ul style=\"list-style-type:circle\"><li>Nostrils flaring<\/li><li>Skin is sucking in around and between ribs or above the sternum<\/li><li>Exaggerated belly movement<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Panting with normal activities such as playing<\/li><li>Wheezing (a whistling sound)<\/li><li>Persistent coughing<\/li><li>Difficulty sucking or eating<\/li><li>Tiredness, not interested in normal or favorite activities<\/li><li>Cyanosis, a tissue color change on mucus membranes (tongue, lips, and around the eyes) and fingertips or nail beds \u2013 cyanosis appears grayish or whitish on darker skin tones and bluish on lighter skin tones<\/li><\/ul><p>Signs and symptoms of asthma in school-age children and teens may include some symptoms above as well as:<\/p><ul><li>Shortness of breath<\/li><li>Cough<\/li><li>Chest tightness or pain<\/li><li>Wheeze (a whistling sound when you breathe)<\/li><li>Waking at night due to asthma symptoms)<\/li><li>A drop in their peak flow meter reading (if your child uses one)<\/li><\/ul><h3>What Causes Asthma in Children?<\/h3><p>Experts don\u2019t know exactly what causes asthma in children. But the following risk factors may make a child more likely to have asthma:<\/p><ul><li>Family history of asthma<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers\/other-health-conditions\/respiratory-infections.aspx\">Respiratory infections<\/a>, such as flu, colds, RSV<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/allergies.aspx\">Allergies<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/eczema\/\">eczema (atopic dermatitis)<\/a><\/li><li>A mother who smoked during pregnancy<\/li><li>Exposure to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/secondhand-smoke-environmental-tobacco-asthma\/\">secondhand and thirdhand tobacco<\/a> smoke after birth<\/li><li>Living in an area with high <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/air-pollution-smog-asthma\/\">air pollution<\/a><\/li><\/ul><p>Viral upper respiratory infections (URIs) are the most important trigger factor for children with asthma.<\/p><h3>How Do Doctors Diagnose and Treat Asthma in Children?<\/h3><p>To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-diagnosis\/\">diagnose asthma in a child<\/a>, a doctor will ask about medical and family history, do a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/physical-exam-diagnose-asthma\/\">physical exam<\/a>, and do <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/lung-function-tests-diagnose-asthma.aspx\">lung function tests<\/a>, if possible. They may also do <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/allergy-diagnosis\/\">allergy testing<\/a>. If your child is too young to do a lung function test, the doctor may prescribe a trial of asthma medicine to see if their symptoms get better.<\/p><p>It is important to get proper treatment for your child\u2019s asthma. This will help them feel better and miss fewer school days. It can also prevent permanent lung damage.<\/p><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-treatment\/\">treatment for asthma in children<\/a> involves:<\/p><ol><li><strong>Avoiding or reducing <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-triggers-causes\/\"><strong>asthma triggers<\/strong><\/a>. To do this, you need to know what triggers your child\u2019s asthma and then take steps to manage those triggers. Triggers can include:<ul style=\"list-style-type:circle\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers\/other-health-conditions\/respiratory-infections.aspx\">Viral respiratory infections<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/exercise-induced-asthma\/\">Exercise and physical activity<\/a><\/li><li>Cold and dry air<\/li><li>Big temperature and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/weather-triggers-asthma\/\">weather<\/a> changes<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/types-of-allergies\/\">Allergens<\/a> (like pet dander, dust mites, pollen)<\/li><li>Strong odors, irritants, chemicals<\/li><li>Smoke (wildfire, cooking, cigarette, vaping)<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/?page_id=105\">Medicines<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/air-pollution-smog-asthma\/\">Indoor and outdoor air pollution<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/?page_id=99\">Strong emotions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol><p style=\"margin-left:.5in\">Once you know your triggers, you can control or manage them. (Use <a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/?page_id=1106\">AAFA\u2019s Healthier Home Checklist<\/a> to help you.)<\/p><ol start=\"2\"><li><strong>Giving your child their asthma medicines as prescribed.<\/strong> They may need to take medicines daily, as needed, or both. This will depend on the severity of your child\u2019s asthma and the type of medicine they take. Some asthma medicines work to control (or prevent) the inflammation (swelling) in their airways. Other asthma medicines work to \u201crelieve the squeeze\" in the airways and aim to stop symptoms after they begin. (Learn more about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-treatment\/\">different types of asthma medicines<\/a> and how they work.)<\/li><li><strong>Following an <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-treatment-action-plan\/\"><strong>asthma action plan<\/strong><\/a>. It\u2019s important to know the signs and symptoms of asthma and when to give your child their medicines. An asthma action plan can help you manage your child\u2019s asthma. It can also help school nurses, teachers, and babysitters manage asthma in the children they are caring for and know what to do in an asthma emergency. Ask your doctor or health care provider to provide you with an asthma action plan. This plan should be reviewed with your health care provider to make sure it is effective and up to date.<\/li><li><strong>Taking care of your child\u2019s overall health. <\/strong>One of the top causes of asthma symptoms in children is respiratory infections. All kids get sick and it lets their immune system learn to fight off certain illnesses. But some infections can worsen asthma. Help your child stay healthy by reducing your family\u2019s exposure to illnesses such as RSV, croup, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers\/other-health-conditions\/respiratory-infections\/flu-influenza.aspx\">the flu<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers\/other-health-conditions\/respiratory-infections\/covid-19-new-coronavirus.aspx\">COVID-19<\/a>, and bronchitis. You can do this by getting recommended vaccines, good hand washing, and wearing a face mask when these contagious illnesses are spreading in your community.<\/li><\/ol><p>You can also keep your child healthier by protecting them from exposure to tobacco smoke. If you or a loved one smokes tobacco cigarettes or vapes, there are programs to help you quit. Resources to support your journey to a smoke-free life include:<\/p><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/smokefree.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Smokefree.gov<\/a><\/li><li>1-800-<em><strong>QUIT<\/strong><\/em>-NOW<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/campaign\/tips\/quit-smoking\/quitstart-app\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">quitSTART app<\/a><\/li><\/ul><p>You can also call your insurance company or your employer to see if they offer tobacco cessation benefits.<\/p><p>Most children with asthma also have allergies. By treating their allergies, it will help their asthma stay under control, too.<\/p><p>When your child\u2019s asthma is under control, you can expect:<\/p><ul><li>Few or no symptoms<\/li><li>No interruptions to their daily activities (school, play, exercise) or sleep<\/li><li>The ability to take part in sports and physical activity<\/li><li>Fewer missed school days<\/li><li>Prevention of acute asthma attacks<\/li><li>Decreased need for quick-relief medicines<\/li><li>Improved overall quality of life<\/li><\/ul><p><img alt=\"Children in a classroom with text that says: Asthma is the top reason for missed school days.\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-education-asthma-top-reason-for-children-missed-school.png\" style=\"display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:70%\"><\/p><h3>Can My Child Outgrow Asthma?<\/h3><p>Asthma is a life-long disease with no cure. As a child gets older, their asthma symptoms may get better and appear to \u201cgo away.\" But airway inflammation may never truly go away. It often returns later in life. About half of children who had asthma will get symptoms again when they are in their 30s or 40s. They may also develop new asthma triggers over time that could cause symptoms to reappear.<\/p><p><small><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/about-aafa\/leadership\/medical-scientific-council.aspx\">Medical Review<\/a>: June 2022 by John James, MD<\/small><\/p><h3>Related Content<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-in-infants\/\">Asthma in Infants and Young Children<\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/school\">AAFA\u2019s School Zone: Resources for Educators and Parents<\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\/9-ways-to-teach-children-about-asthma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fun Ways to Teach Children About Asthma<\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.aafa.org\/np\/clients\/aafa\/product.jsp?product=227\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wee Breathers\u2122 Program<\/a><\/p><p><small><strong>References<\/strong><\/small><\/p><p><small>1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Asthma-Related Missed School Days Among Children Aged 5-17 Years. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/asthma\/asthma_stats\/missing_days.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/asthma\/asthma_stats\/missing_days.htm<\/a><\/small><\/p><p><small>2. Fuseini, H., & Newcomb, D. C. (2017). Mechanisms Driving Gender Differences in Asthma. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 17(3). <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11882-017-0686-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11882-017-0686-1<\/a><\/small><\/p><p><small>3. <em>Asthma in Children: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment<\/em>. (n.d.). American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Retrieved June 28, 2022, from <a href=\"https:\/\/acaai.org\/asthma\/asthma-101\/who-gets-asthma\/children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/acaai.org\/asthma\/asthma-101\/who-gets-asthma\/children<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div><\/div><div id=\"BodyTextEditor\"><p>Around 7.5 million children in the United States have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma.aspx\">asthma<\/a>. Asthma is one of the most common chronic (long-term) diseases in children. It is also one of the main causes for missed school days.<sup>1 <\/sup>It cannot be cured, but it can be managed.<\/p><p>Childhood asthma tends to affect more male children than female children. But adult females have higher rates of asthma than males. Some studies suggest that the increase in testosterone hormone in males decreases swelling in the airways.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p><p>Some children have a higher risk of asthma. Asthma rates are highest in children who are:<\/p><ul><li>Poor<\/li><li>Puerto Rican<\/li><li>Black<\/li><li>Indigenous, Native American, Alaska Native<\/li><li>Living in inner cities<\/li><li>Living near high amounts of air pollution<\/li><\/ul><h3>What Are Symptoms of Asthma in Children?<\/h3><p>Most children with asthma will show symptoms before they turn 5 years old.<sup>3<\/sup> However, people can develop asthma at any age. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-in-infants\/\">Asthma signs and symptoms in infants and toddlers<\/a> may also be different from older children and teens.<\/p><p>The signs and symptoms of asthma in a baby or toddler include:<\/p><ul><li>Fast breathing<\/li><li>Working harder to breathe<ul style=\"list-style-type:circle\"><li>Nostrils flaring<\/li><li>Skin is sucking in around and between ribs or above the sternum<\/li><li>Exaggerated belly movement<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Panting with normal activities such as playing<\/li><li>Wheezing (a whistling sound)<\/li><li>Persistent coughing<\/li><li>Difficulty sucking or eating<\/li><li>Tiredness, not interested in normal or favorite activities<\/li><li>Cyanosis, a tissue color change on mucus membranes (tongue, lips, and around the eyes) and fingertips or nail beds \u2013 cyanosis appears grayish or whitish on darker skin tones and bluish on lighter skin tones<\/li><\/ul><p>Signs and symptoms of asthma in school-age children and teens may include some symptoms above as well as:<\/p><ul><li>Shortness of breath<\/li><li>Cough<\/li><li>Chest tightness or pain<\/li><li>Wheeze (a whistling sound when you breathe)<\/li><li>Waking at night due to asthma symptoms)<\/li><li>A drop in their peak flow meter reading (if your child uses one)<\/li><\/ul><h3>What Causes Asthma in Children?<\/h3><p>Experts don\u2019t know exactly what causes asthma in children. But the following risk factors may make a child more likely to have asthma:<\/p><ul><li>Family history of asthma<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers\/other-health-conditions\/respiratory-infections.aspx\">Respiratory infections<\/a>, such as flu, colds, RSV<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/allergies.aspx\">Allergies<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/eczema\/\">eczema (atopic dermatitis)<\/a><\/li><li>A mother who smoked during pregnancy<\/li><li>Exposure to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/secondhand-smoke-environmental-tobacco-asthma\/\">secondhand and thirdhand tobacco<\/a> smoke after birth<\/li><li>Living in an area with high <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/air-pollution-smog-asthma\/\">air pollution<\/a><\/li><\/ul><p>Viral upper respiratory infections (URIs) are the most important trigger factor for children with asthma.<\/p><h3>How Do Doctors Diagnose and Treat Asthma in Children?<\/h3><p>To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-diagnosis\/\">diagnose asthma in a child<\/a>, a doctor will ask about medical and family history, do a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/physical-exam-diagnose-asthma\/\">physical exam<\/a>, and do <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/lung-function-tests-diagnose-asthma.aspx\">lung function tests<\/a>, if possible. They may also do <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/allergy-diagnosis\/\">allergy testing<\/a>. If your child is too young to do a lung function test, the doctor may prescribe a trial of asthma medicine to see if their symptoms get better.<\/p><p>It is important to get proper treatment for your child\u2019s asthma. This will help them feel better and miss fewer school days. It can also prevent permanent lung damage.<\/p><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-treatment\/\">treatment for asthma in children<\/a> involves:<\/p><ol><li><strong>Avoiding or reducing <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-triggers-causes\/\"><strong>asthma triggers<\/strong><\/a>. To do this, you need to know what triggers your child\u2019s asthma and then take steps to manage those triggers. Triggers can include:<ul style=\"list-style-type:circle\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers\/other-health-conditions\/respiratory-infections.aspx\">Viral respiratory infections<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/exercise-induced-asthma\/\">Exercise and physical activity<\/a><\/li><li>Cold and dry air<\/li><li>Big temperature and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/weather-triggers-asthma\/\">weather<\/a> changes<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/types-of-allergies\/\">Allergens<\/a> (like pet dander, dust mites, pollen)<\/li><li>Strong odors, irritants, chemicals<\/li><li>Smoke (wildfire, cooking, cigarette, vaping)<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/?page_id=105\">Medicines<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/air-pollution-smog-asthma\/\">Indoor and outdoor air pollution<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/?page_id=99\">Strong emotions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol><p style=\"margin-left:.5in\">Once you know your triggers, you can control or manage them. (Use <a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/?page_id=1106\">AAFA\u2019s Healthier Home Checklist<\/a> to help you.)<\/p><ol start=\"2\"><li><strong>Giving your child their asthma medicines as prescribed.<\/strong> They may need to take medicines daily, as needed, or both. This will depend on the severity of your child\u2019s asthma and the type of medicine they take. Some asthma medicines work to control (or prevent) the inflammation (swelling) in their airways. Other asthma medicines work to \u201crelieve the squeeze\" in the airways and aim to stop symptoms after they begin. (Learn more about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-treatment\/\">different types of asthma medicines<\/a> and how they work.)<\/li><li><strong>Following an <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-treatment-action-plan\/\"><strong>asthma action plan<\/strong><\/a>. It\u2019s important to know the signs and symptoms of asthma and when to give your child their medicines. An asthma action plan can help you manage your child\u2019s asthma. It can also help school nurses, teachers, and babysitters manage asthma in the children they are caring for and know what to do in an asthma emergency. Ask your doctor or health care provider to provide you with an asthma action plan. This plan should be reviewed with your health care provider to make sure it is effective and up to date.<\/li><li><strong>Taking care of your child\u2019s overall health. <\/strong>One of the top causes of asthma symptoms in children is respiratory infections. All kids get sick and it lets their immune system learn to fight off certain illnesses. But some infections can worsen asthma. Help your child stay healthy by reducing your family\u2019s exposure to illnesses such as RSV, croup, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers\/other-health-conditions\/respiratory-infections\/flu-influenza.aspx\">the flu<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers\/other-health-conditions\/respiratory-infections\/covid-19-new-coronavirus.aspx\">COVID-19<\/a>, and bronchitis. You can do this by getting recommended vaccines, good hand washing, and wearing a face mask when these contagious illnesses are spreading in your community.<\/li><\/ol><p>You can also keep your child healthier by protecting them from exposure to tobacco smoke. If you or a loved one smokes tobacco cigarettes or vapes, there are programs to help you quit. Resources to support your journey to a smoke-free life include:<\/p><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/smokefree.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Smokefree.gov<\/a><\/li><li>1-800-<em><strong>QUIT<\/strong><\/em>-NOW<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/campaign\/tips\/quit-smoking\/quitstart-app\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">quitSTART app<\/a><\/li><\/ul><p>You can also call your insurance company or your employer to see if they offer tobacco cessation benefits.<\/p><p>Most children with asthma also have allergies. By treating their allergies, it will help their asthma stay under control, too.<\/p><p>When your child\u2019s asthma is under control, you can expect:<\/p><ul><li>Few or no symptoms<\/li><li>No interruptions to their daily activities (school, play, exercise) or sleep<\/li><li>The ability to take part in sports and physical activity<\/li><li>Fewer missed school days<\/li><li>Prevention of acute asthma attacks<\/li><li>Decreased need for quick-relief medicines<\/li><li>Improved overall quality of life<\/li><\/ul><p><img alt=\"Children in a classroom with text that says: Asthma is the top reason for missed school days.\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/asthma-education-asthma-top-reason-for-children-missed-school.png\" style=\"display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:70%\"><\/p><h3>Can My Child Outgrow Asthma?<\/h3><p>Asthma is a life-long disease with no cure. As a child gets older, their asthma symptoms may get better and appear to \u201cgo away.\" But airway inflammation may never truly go away. It often returns later in life. About half of children who had asthma will get symptoms again when they are in their 30s or 40s. They may also develop new asthma triggers over time that could cause symptoms to reappear.<\/p><p><small><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/about-aafa\/leadership\/medical-scientific-council.aspx\">Medical Review<\/a>: June 2022 by John James, MD<\/small><\/p><h3>Related Content<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-in-infants\/\">Asthma in Infants and Young Children<\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/school\">AAFA\u2019s School Zone: Resources for Educators and Parents<\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\/9-ways-to-teach-children-about-asthma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fun Ways to Teach Children About Asthma<\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.aafa.org\/np\/clients\/aafa\/product.jsp?product=227\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wee Breathers\u2122 Program<\/a><\/p><p><small><strong>References<\/strong><\/small><\/p><p><small>1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Asthma-Related Missed School Days Among Children Aged 5-17 Years. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/asthma\/asthma_stats\/missing_days.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/asthma\/asthma_stats\/missing_days.htm<\/a><\/small><\/p><p><small>2. Fuseini, H., & Newcomb, D. C. (2017). Mechanisms Driving Gender Differences in Asthma. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 17(3). <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11882-017-0686-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11882-017-0686-1<\/a><\/small><\/p><p><small>3. <em>Asthma in Children: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment<\/em>. (n.d.). American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Retrieved June 28, 2022, from <a href=\"https:\/\/acaai.org\/asthma\/asthma-101\/who-gets-asthma\/children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/acaai.org\/asthma\/asthma-101\/who-gets-asthma\/children<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div><p>[\/et_pb_text] [\/et_pb_column] [et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"6%||||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=aSBUDSqXUks&list=PLrLBy23tjd-J7OzSmi6pn1nssfDcCsHob&index=11\" admin_label=\"YouTube Video\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_button button_url=\"\/asthma-allergy-research\/asthma-research\/\" button_text=\"Asthma Research\" button_alignment=\"center\" admin_label=\"Asthma Research Button\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_button=\"on\" button_use_icon=\"off\" custom_css_main_element=\"width:100%;\" global_module=\"613\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=\"\/asthma-allergy-research\/allergy-research\/\" button_text=\"Allergy Research\" button_alignment=\"center\" admin_label=\"Allergy Research Button\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_button=\"on\" button_bg_color=\"#008c99\" custom_css_main_element=\"width:100%;\" global_module=\"598\" saved_tabs=\"all\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" button_text__hover_enabled=\"off|desktop\"][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Support Our Work Blurb\" module_class=\"sidebar-blurb\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_text_color=\"#505050\" text_font_size=\"16px\" text_line_height=\"1.5em\" link_font=\"|600||on|||||\" link_text_align=\"left\" link_text_color=\"#692d87\" link_font_size=\"16px\" header_4_font=\"|600|||||||\" header_4_text_align=\"left\" header_4_text_color=\"#692d87\" header_4_font_size=\"20px\" background_image=\"2725\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" global_module=\"601\" saved_tabs=\"all\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p><h4>Support Our Work<\/h4><p>Over the past 15 years, there have been moderate advances in U.S. public policy, health care and research, but racial gaps in asthma outcomes have not changed. Minority groups continue to bear disproportionate hardship in managing asthma.<\/p><p><a href=\"\/get-involved\/make-a-donation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Donate Today ><\/a><\/p><p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-4088","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.5 (Yoast SEO v28.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Asthma in Children | AAFA.org<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Asthma is one of the most common chronic (long-term) diseases in children. 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