Asthma in children
Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory condition in children, causing episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough. With the right management plan, most children with asthma can lead fully active lives.
Understanding childhood asthma
Asthma causes the small airways in the lungs to become inflamed and narrow, producing the characteristic symptoms of wheeze, cough, breathlessness, and chest tightness. Symptoms are often worse at night or after exercise.
Triggers vary between children; common ones include viral infections, cold air, exercise, allergens such as house dust mite or animal dander, and air pollution.
Assessment and management
Dr Sood assesses asthma control in the context of the whole child, including any co-existing allergic conditions such as eczema or allergic rhinitis, which commonly occur alongside asthma. A personalised asthma action plan is agreed with the family at each review.
If your child is having a severe allergic reaction, call 999 immediately or go to your nearest A&E. Do not wait. Always carry prescribed emergency medication as directed by your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
There is no absolute minimum age at which asthma can be diagnosed. GINA 2025 states that asthma can be diagnosed in children aged 5 years or younger, although diagnosis is more difficult in preschool children because recurrent viral wheeze is common and routine lung-function testing is usually not feasible. A 2- or 3-year-old with a convincing pattern of recurrent wheeze and other features consistent with asthma may therefore be diagnosed clinically with asthma after considering alternative causes. UK BTS/NICE/SIGN guidance is more cautious in children under 5 and often uses the term "suspected asthma", recommending a trial of treatment and regular clinical review. It is therefore not correct to state categorically that asthma cannot be diagnosed before the age of 5.
Yes. Allergic asthma, triggered by house dust mite, pet dander, pollen, or mould, is the most common type in children. Identifying and managing triggers is a key part of asthma control.
If your child is struggling to breathe, is too breathless to talk, eat or drink, their lips or tongue look blue, they are becoming drowsy or exhausted, or their reliever inhaler is not helping, call 999 immediately or take them to A&E immediately.
Concerned about your child?
Book a consultation with Dr Sood to discuss your child's symptoms and get a clear diagnosis.