If your child has asthma, you may wonder if they’ll ever outgrow it. The good news is that some children have fewer symptoms as they get older. Some may even go years without any problems.
But does childhood asthma go away for good? Not always. Asthma symptoms can return, even after years without them. Here are answers to seven common questions parents have about childhood asthma.
1. What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways, the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs.
When a child has asthma, these tubes can swell, tighten, and make extra mucus. This makes it harder to breathe.
Asthma can be mild or severe, and symptoms can change over time.
2. What Are the Symptoms of Childhood Asthma?
Children with asthma may have symptoms every day or only once in a while. Common signs include:
- Coughing, especially at night
- Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Trouble keeping up with other kids during play
Symptoms may get worse when your child has a cold, exercises, or is around an asthma trigger.
3. What Causes Asthma in Children?
Doctors don’t know exactly why some children develop asthma. However, several factors can increase a child’s risk, including:
- Family history: Children with a parent who has asthma are more likely to develop it.
- Allergies: Children with allergies or eczema have a higher risk of asthma.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to cigarette smoke and air pollution may increase the risk of developing asthma.
Children with asthma also have sensitive airways. Things like dust, pollen, cold air, and respiratory infections can trigger coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing.
4. Why Do Some Children Outgrow Asthma?
As children grow, their lungs and airways change. For some kids, this means asthma symptoms become less frequent or disappear for years.
Doctors may call this asthma remission. It means a child has gone a long time without symptoms, but asthma can still return.
Even when a child seems to have outgrown asthma, they may still have mild signs, such as:
- Coughing at night
- Coughing during exercise
- Getting tired faster than other kids
- Trouble breathing during a cold
If you notice these signs, talk to your child’s doctor.
5. Can Childhood Asthma Come Back?
Asthma can return after months or even years without symptoms.
For example, a child who hasn’t had problems since elementary school may start wheezing again as a teenager or adult.
Common asthma triggers include:
- Colds and other respiratory infections
- Pollen, dust, and pet dander
- Cigarette smoke
- Exercise
- Cold air
- Poor air quality
Not every child will have asthma symptoms as an adult, but it’s important to know the signs in case they return.
6. What’s the Difference Between Controlled Asthma and Asthma Remission?
These terms sound similar, but they don’t mean the same thing.
Controlled asthma means your child has few symptoms or flare-ups. Medicine and avoiding triggers can help keep asthma under control.
Asthma remission means symptoms have been gone for a long time, sometimes without the need for asthma medicine.
Neither means asthma is permanently cured. Symptoms can still return later in life.
7. What Should Parents Do if Their Child’s Asthma Improves?
It’s great when your child starts breathing easier and has fewer asthma symptoms. But don’t stop their prescribed medicine just because they seem better.
Instead, talk to your child’s doctor about whether their treatment needs to change.
You can also help by:
- Keeping regular appointments with your child’s doctor.
- Following their asthma action plan.
- Watching for coughing, wheezing, or breathing problems.
- Helping your child avoid known asthma triggers.
- Making sure teachers and caregivers know what to do if symptoms return.
An asthma action plan explains what medicine your child needs, what to do when symptoms get worse, and when to get emergency help.
Get Help Managing Childhood Asthma at P&S Clinic
Childhood asthma may improve with age, but symptoms can come back. Regular checkups can help you track your child’s asthma and see if their treatment needs to change.
At P&S Clinic, we help families in the Starkville and Amory, MS area care for their children’s health. If your child’s asthma symptoms have changed or you’re wondering whether they still need treatment, schedule an appointment with our team.