My 4-year-old child was diagnosed with moderate asthma. He tends to get out of breath quite easily when he’s playing with his friends. Should I be concerned? Should he be using his inhaler?
It’s important to remember that kids don’t normally get out of breath when they are active. Shortness of breath is an asthma symptom, and if it comes on suddenly, your son may need a rescue medicine for quick relief. However, if this is a common symptom that your child experiences frequently when he’s active, you may need to do more to help prevent his asthma symptoms. Schedule some time to talk to his doctor about your concerns, and ask if your son may benefit from a controller medicine. Controller (sometimes called “preventive” or “maintenance”) medicines, when used as prescribed, prevent asthma symptoms and attacks on an ongoing basis. Some medicines work by preventing the underlying inflammation from getting worse and causing asthma symptoms or attacks. It’s important to remember, though, that because they aren’t rescue medicines, controller medicines should not be used to treat sudden symptoms.
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