Asthma is a chronic allergic inflammation of the airways: when the bronchi encounter triggers, they narrow, and attacks of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath appear. It is the most common chronic disease of childhood and can be brought completely under control with proper treatment.

Which Signs Suggest Asthma?

  • More than 3 wheezing attacks per year
  • Dry cough that increases at night and toward morning
  • Cough/shortness of breath when running, laughing, or crying
  • Colds that "always settle on the chest" and last longer than 10 days
  • A family history of asthma/allergy plus eczema or allergic rhinitis in the child

Common Triggers

House dust mites • pollens • mold • pet dander • cigarette smoke (the most important preventable factor) • viral infections • air pollution • sudden weather changes

The Two Pillars of Treatment

  1. Controller (every day): Inhaled corticosteroid — extinguishes the inflammation in the airway and prevents attacks. It is continued even when there are no symptoms.
  2. Reliever (during an attack): Salbutamol — quickly opens the narrowed bronchus. If it is needed frequently, it means control is inadequate.

Technique is everything: In children, the inhaler must always be used with a spacer + mask. We work on the technique together during the examination.

Action Plan

Every child with asthma should have a written action plan: which medication, how many puffs, and when to go to the emergency room? We prepare this personally for you during the examination.