Asthma can be a frightening condition for children and parents because it feels so unpredictable. While it isn't fully understood why some kids get Asthma and others don't, it is believed that it may be partially inherited and can involve environmental, infectious, chemical and other factors.

When a child is exposed to a "trigger", the body releases histamine and other agents that cause the airways tighten and become smaller, which causes wheezing. This constriction makes it difficult to get enough breath in, which causes common symptom of gasping for breath. There can also be an increase in mucus which makes breathing even more labored. Exercise-induced asthma or "sports asthma" can occur in certain kids with varying degrees of exercise and can present during or shortly after exercise.

Asthma symptoms can resemble other problems or medical conditions as well as reactions to medications so discuss your child's symptoms with your pediatrician. Our pharmacists here at Thompson Pharmacy are always available to help your child get the most benefit from his asthma medications and rescue inhalers, so his Asthma never has to hold him back!

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