For Kids: Asthma Symptoms and Triggers

You can learn how to help control your asthma. One way is to learn about the things that make you have flare-ups. You can also learn how to know when a flare-up is on the way. The more you know, the easier it will be to control your asthma.

Get to know your asthma symptoms.

Know Your Early Warning Signs

How do you feel before your asthma flares up? You may have trouble sleeping. Or you may feel tired and weak. These are early warning signs. They tell you a flare-up may be on the way. Ask your doctor what to do if this happens. You may need to take medicine. Daily controller medicine can help prevent flare-ups. Quick-relief (or rescue) medicine will help stop a flare-up that has started. Check your early warning signs below:

• Coughing, especially at night 

• Breathing faster

• Feeling tight in your chest

• Feeling out of breath

• Other symptoms: _____________________________

Ask your family to help you get rid of the asthma triggers in your home.

Know Your Asthma Triggers

Some things make your asthma flare up. They are called asthma triggers. Try to stay away from them or control them. Here are some common asthma triggers. Check the triggers that make your asthma flare up:

• Pets

• Cold air   

• Mold

• Pollen

• Perfume 

• Dust 

• A cold/flu 

• Smoke

• Air pollution   

• Grass

• Strong smells