By Dr. Olga Guijon | Contributing Columnist
PUBLISHED: March 12, 2025 at 9:12 AM PDT
We’ve all seen the classic portrayal of a kid having an asthma attack on a TV show or movie. Usually what’s depicted, in dramatic fashion, is a severe attack with horrible wheezing that requires life-saving blasts from an inhaler.
Although serious asthma attacks can indeed be life-threatening emergencies, asthma comes in many forms and can be different for everyone.
That’s why it’s critical to see your medical provider and develop an individualized asthma action plan.
Flareup season is here
Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood affecting approximately 12% of California children under the age of 18. Although National Asthma Awareness Month isn’t until May, seasonal allergies are in full swing, and I’ve been seeing patients experiencing flareups.
Asthma can vary by season and the severity of episodes can vary with age. Some kids experience flareups only when they have a cold or only during the winter season. Other children only have symptoms when they exercise. Some kids experience worse asthma symptoms in preschool, others during school age or adolescence.
Triggers such as weather, dust mites, exercise, infections, mold, pets, smoke and strong odors can vary by patient as well.
What, when and how
Medications for asthma can also be challenging. Many inhalers look alike but contain very different medications. Some are used preventatively, and others are used for quick relief during an asthma attack. Some are used with a spacer and others not.
This is why an asthma action plan is so important. Developing such a plan can help parents and patients better identify triggers, better guide them in the use of medications, and help them to outline steps to take during an asthma attack.
The asthma action plan includes instructions based on the severity of symptoms, categorized into green, yellow and red zones. The green zone indicates good control, the yellow zone signals caution, and the red zone alerts patients to immediately seek medical attention.
Work with your provider to develop a plan that works for you. Remember, asthma can vary by season and age. If your child’s asthma isn’t improving, it may be time to update your plan. And don’t forget to take your inhalers with you to your appointments so your doctor can review them with you.
Stay active
It’s important to realize that kids with asthma can exercise and participate in sports.
Just recently, I saw one of my patients who is a scholar-athlete with a college sports scholarship.
In combination with good asthma control, exercise helps increase lung function and is important for overall wellness.
And for overall wellness when it comes to kids with asthma, a solid asthma action plan is a crucial first step.
Dr. Olga Guijon is division chief of primary care at Children’s Hospital of Orange County, part of Rady Children’s Health. She treats kids and teens in Orange County.
