Asthma Program Resources

Asthma is a common lung condition in children. It can make it hard to breathe at times. The good news is that asthma can usually be controlled with the right medicines and care. Children with asthma can still play, go to school, and take part in sports and activities. Learning about asthma will help you know what to watch for and what to do if your child has symptoms. 

Managing Your Child's Asthma

Nationwide Children's developed an Asthma Booklet that explains what asthma is, what causes asthma symptoms, how asthma medicines work and what to do during an asthma flare up. The resources from this booklet can be found in this section of the site and are listed below.

View the Booklet

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a long-term lung disease that can make breathing difficult. It can be controlled with medicines and by avoiding triggers that cause flare-ups.

Asthma Triggers

Many things can start an asthma flare-up. They are called triggers. Know your asthma triggers and avoid them.

Medicine and Steroid Use

There are two types of medicines for treating asthma. They are called rescue (quick-relief) medicines and controller medicines.

Using an Asthma Action Plan

Sit down with your doctor to develop an Asthma Action Plan. A plan can be very helpful, especially during an asthma flare-up.

Living With Asthma

Children with asthma should still be able to go to school, exercise, play sports and take part in activities. Talk to their doctor about when they should stay home.

Working With the Care Team

Come prepared. Bring all of your medicines, spacer and any questions you may have. Tell your doctor about any asthma symptoms you have had.

Goals of Asthma Care

Work with your doctor to set goals to help control your asthma.

Asthma Symptom Diary

Below is a sample of what an Asthma Symptom Diary looks like.

Support Resources

Check out some additional resources that could help your child's journey with asthma. 

How to Videos

How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler

A dry powdered inhaler (DPI) is an asthma treatment option for older kids and teens. Using a dry powdered inhaler allows medicine to get deep into the lungs.

How to Use an Inhaler with a Spacer and Mouthpiece

Learning how to properly use an inhaler with a spacer and mouthpiece for asthma ensures the medicine gets deposited into the lungs. 

How to Use an Inhaler with a Spacer and Mask

Using an inhaler with a spacer and a mask is an asthma treatment option for smaller children and babies.

Using a Nasal Spray for your Child

A lot of people use nasal sprays, but a lot of people use nasal sprays incorrectly. Just follow these simple steps and we’ll have you feeling better, faster.

How to Use a Twisthaler

Learning how to properly use a twisthaler is important to assure asthma medicine is inhaled into the airways.

How to Use a Nebulizer

A nebulizer is a machine used to deliver asthma medicine deep inside the lungs.

Asthma Videos

When You Need to Use a Controller Medicine

A common misconception about controller medicine for asthma is that it should only be taken when having trouble breathing.

Use of Steriods as a Treatment Option and its Side Effects

Many parents have concerns about the side effects of steroids prescribed to treat asthma.

When You Should Use Your Spacer with Inhaler

It is important for everyone to use a spacer each time they use their inhaler. A spacer is an attachment that fits onto the end of your inhaler.

What Are The Symptoms of Asthma

Symptoms from asthma occur when the muscles surrounding the breathing tubes squeeze and tighten, which makes it very difficult to get air inside the lungs and body.