What is Asthma?

What is asthma?
Signs of an asthma flare-up
When to go to school or work

Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs and can make it hard to breathe. Air moves in and out of the lungs through small tubes called airways.

In children with asthma, these airways are extra sensitive. They can react to triggers like pollen, smoke, dust, colds, exercise, or weather changes. When this happens, the airways swell, tighten, and make extra mucus. This makes the airways narrower, so it’s harder for air to move in and out of the lungs. This is called an asthma flare-up or asthma attack.

The goal of asthma treatment is to prevent flare-ups and make it easier for your child to breathe. Asthma can be serious, but it can usually be controlled by avoiding triggers and using the right medicines. There is no cure for asthma. Some children may have fewer symptoms as they get older, but asthma often lasts a long time.


During an asthma flare-up, 3 things happen in the airways:

  • The inside of the airway becomes swollen (inflamed).
  • Extra mucus builds up and blocks the airway.
  • Muscles around the airway tighten and make the airway smaller.

These 3 changes make it hard for air to move in and out of the lungs. Asthma medicines help reduce swelling, relax the muscles, and open the airways. Taking asthma medicine each day can help prevent flare-ups.

Flare-up Signs and Symptoms

Many asthma flare-ups start slowly. You may notice small changes before breathing problems begin.

Early Warning Signs

These can happen hours or days before a flare-up:

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Itchy or sore throat
  • Feeling tired or weak 

Immediate Signs

As the flare-up gets worse, your child may have:

  • Coughing
  • Noisy breathing
  • Chest tightness
  • Fast breathing
  • A whistling sound when breathing (wheezing) 

At this stage, your child needs to use their reliever inhaler. 

Very Young Children

In addition to those mentioned before, very young children with asthma may also:

  • Grunt (not just while feeding)
  • Seem more tired than usual
  • Become fussy or hard to calm down

At this stage, your child needs to use their reliever inhaler. 

The information below can help you decide if your child may be able to go to school or if they should stay home because of their asthma symptoms. Any time you're unsure about when to send your child, call their doctor or health care provider.

GO TO SCHOOL:

Your child may be able to go to school if:

  • They only have a stuffy nose.
  • Wheezing stops after using reliever medicine.
  • They can do normal activities.
  • Breathing is comfortable. 

STAY HOME:

Your child may need to stay home if:

  • They have a fever.
  • They have a bad cold.
  • Breathing symptoms continue after using reliever medicine.
  • They feel too tired or weak.