Asthma is the most common lung childhood condition. It is estimated to affect as many as 20% of Canadian children and youth (1 in 5 kids!) Fortunately, most forms of asthma in children are mild to moderate – and can be treated with simple, easy-to-use medications prescribed by your doctor.
For a parent, witnessing a child having an asthma attack is frightening as they struggle to breathe. Children with asthma display symptoms such as wheezing, severe shortness of breath, persistent cough and tightness in the chest. They may have difficulty sleeping when experiencing an attack, and miss school or social activities. If your child shows any of these signs (for the first time) you should visit your pediatrician or an emergency clinic as soon as possible.
While we still don’t know exactly why children are prone to developing asthma in early childhood, we have identified several risk factors. This includes:
Most patients can control asthma and live completely normal lives using puffer medication (inhalers). Your child can still play sports, enjoy the outdoors or be around pets.
Does your child have a persistent cough, more commonly at night?
Yes or No
Does your child ever feel out of breath or short of breath?
Yes or No
Does your child wheeze, or make an audible sound, when you breathe out?
Yes or No
Does your child ever get a feeling of tightness around the chest?
Yes or No
Does your child seem to have chest infections more often than other people?
Yes or No
Click to Download our Referral Form and ask your family doctor for a breathing test.
