Health Library

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• When to Go to the ER if Your Child Has Asthma

  If your child has asthma, find out when you need to go to the ER.

• What Is Asthma?

  Asthma makes it hard to breathe. But with treatment, the condition can be managed so that kids can still do the things they love. Learn all about asthma.

• What Happens in an Asthma Flare-Up? (Video)

  What happens in an asthma flare-up? Find out in this video.

• Traveling and Asthma

  With some careful planning, kids with asthma can enjoy all the benefits of a trip away from home.

• Managing Asthma

  Asthma control can take a little time and energy to master, but it's worth the effort. Learn more about ways to manage your child's asthma.

• If My Baby Is Wheezing, Could it Be Asthma?

  Babies and young children might wheeze due to viral infections (like a cold), but that doesn't mean they will develop asthma when they're older.

• How Can I Help My Child Use a Nebulizer?

  Nebulizers are often used with young children because they require little effort on the child's part. But kids do need to stay in one place and cooperate. If you're having trouble giving treatments, this article is for you!

• First Aid: Asthma Flare-Ups

  During a flare-up or attack, it's hard to breathe. While some flare-ups are mild, others can be life threatening, so it's important to deal with them right away.

• Asthma: Parents Talk (Video)

  Hear what parents have to say about raising kids with asthma.

• Dealing With Triggers: Pets

  Do pets make your child's allergies or asthma worse? Here's how to handle it.

• Can the Weather Affect My Child’s Asthma?

  Sometimes, the weather can affect a child's asthma symptoms. Here are some tips for dealing with it.

• Can Kids and Teens With Asthma Play Sports?

  Kids and teens who have asthma can and do play sports. But some activities are better than others - find out more.

• Asthma Triggers

  Triggers — things in the air, weather conditions, or activities — can cause asthma flare-ups. By knowing and avoiding triggers, you'll help lessen your child's asthma symptoms.

• Asthma Medicines

  Asthma medicine comes in two main types: quick-relief and long-term control medicines. Even if a child takes a long-term control medicine regularly, quick-relief medicine is still needed to handle flare-ups.

• Asthma Flare-Ups

  Find out how to deal with — and help prevent — asthma flare-ups ("attacks"), which is when asthma symptoms get worse.

• Asthma Center

  Asthma keeps more kids home from school than any other chronic illness. Learn how to help your child manage the condition, stay healthy, and stay in school.

• Inflammation

  Inflammation is one way the body reacts to infection, injury, or other medical conditions. Many things can cause it.

• Air Pollution and Asthma

  Ground-level ozone and other air pollutants can trigger asthma flare-ups. But there are steps you can take to minimize your child's exposure.

• School and Asthma

  Asthma flare-ups are the main reason kids with asthma miss school. But well-managed asthma is far less likely to result in a sick day.

• What Are Nebulizers and Inhalers?

  Find out how these asthma tools help kids take their medicines.

• Exercise-Induced Asthma

  Many kids with asthma have symptoms when they exercise. But with careful management, they usually can do anything their peers can do.

• What’s an Asthma Action Plan?

  Find out how this written plan can help you care for your child with asthma.

• Do Allergies Cause Asthma?

  Allergies don't cause asthma, but kids who have allergies are more likely to get asthma.

• Definition: Exercise-Induced Asthma

  Some people have exercise-induced asthma, which means that their asthma symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath) are triggered by exercise or physical activity.