About the Condition:

Asthma is a respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, making it difficult to breath. It usually results from an allergic reaction or other forms of hypersensitivity. If you have asthma your airways are always inflamed. They become even more swollen and the muscles around the airways can tighten when something triggers your symptoms. This makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness.

Childhood asthma (pediatric asthma) is the most common serious chronic disease in infants and children; yet is often difficult to diagnose. In infants and children, asthma may appear as:

• Wheezing (whistling sound) when breathing
• Coughing
• Rapid breathing
• Complaints of chest hurting
• Reduced energy
• Feeling weak or tired

Some children have symptoms only when exercising or playing a sport. This is called exercise-induced bronchospasm or exercise-induced asthma. Childhood asthma, just like asthma in adults, can't be cured. But with the right medications and treatment plan, symptoms can be controlled. This is extremely important in order to prevent damage to growing lungs. Risk factors for developing childhood asthma include:

• Allergies
• Family history of allergies and/or asthma
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Low birth weight
• Second-hand smoke before and/or after birth
• Growing up in a low income, urban environment

References: https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/asthma