What Is the Best Treatment Option for My Child's Asthma?

About 4.6 million American children have asthma. If your child is one of them, it’s normal to wonder about the potential treatment options and their pros and cons. 

At Sunny Hill Pediatrics in Frisco, Texas,  Dr. Jung and our caring team provide complete care for childhood asthma. This blog explains what asthma is and highlights several of the most common therapies for relief. 

What is childhood asthma?

Childhood, or pediatric asthma, is a chronic respiratory disease that causes airway inflammation and difficulty breathing. It’s the same disease that affects adults, but children are more likely to experience side effects that interfere with their sleep or ability to play and have fun with friends.

Telltale signs of childhood asthma include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing or whistling sounds when exhaling
• Fatigue
• Trouble breathing that affects play and other activities
• Poor sleep
• Bouts of coughing and wheezing

Your child may also experience chest pain or congestion, depending on the asthma’s severity.

6 treatment options for childhood asthma

Asthma treatment recommendations vary, depending on your child’s age, symptom severity, and triggers. The goal is to keep your child’s symptoms under control and prevent limitations on physical activities and exercise. 

For children 3 and under who have mild asthma, we take a “watch and wait” approach. That’s because there isn’t enough research on the long-term effects of asthma medications in these populations to ensure safety. However, if your infant or toddler has severe symptoms, we may prescribe something to see how it works. 

Here’s a closer look at several commonly prescribed asthma treatments:

1. Inhaled corticosteroids

These medications reduce inflammation in the lungs that triggers asthma symptoms. Common examples include fluticasone, budesonide, and beclomethasone.  Most children need to take inhaled corticosteroids for several days or weeks before they start working. Long-term use may slow growth slightly, but the benefits of treatment outweigh this potential risk. 

2. Theophylline (Theo 24)

This medication is a daily pill that helps keep the airways open. Specifically, it relaxes the muscles around the lungs, making it easier for your child to breathe. We typically prescribe theophylline with an inhaled corticosteroid. Treatment is effective, but regular bloodwork is necessary to monitor the level of medication in your child’s body.

3. Combination inhalers

These medications contain an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-antagonist (beta-blocker). Beta-blockers can be beneficial for asthma because they support heart function and blood pressure, reducing shortness of breath. 

Research suggests beta-blockers by themselves can trigger severe asthma attacks, so we only prescribe them to children whose asthma doesn’t improve with other medications.

4. Immunomodulatory agents

We may prescribe an immunomodulatory agent, such as dupilumab or benralizumab if your child is 12 or older and has severe eosinophilic asthma. This type of asthma causes abnormally high levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the airways. 

Immunomodulatory agents target specific immune pathways and reduce inflammation. They’re often prescribed to children who don’t respond to other asthma treatments, like inhaled corticosteroids.

5. Quick-relief medicines

Also known as rescue medicines, these drugs quickly open airways to provide immediate relief during an asthma attack. Most children with asthma keep a quick-relief inhaler on hand, in case their symptoms flare up during play or exercise.

6. Allergy medicines

Sometimes, asthma is triggered or exacerbated by allergens, like dust mites, pollen, and pet hair. If your child suffers from allergy-related asthma, we may also prescribe oral or nasal spray antihistamines and decongestants.  These drugs reduce the immune system’s response to allergens, easing symptoms and improving respiratory health.

We can develop a personalized asthma treatment plan for your child!

If you’re concerned about your child’s asthma, contact Sunny Hill Pediatrics today. After a physical exam, respiratory testing, and bloodwork, we can make personalized treatment recommendations that reduce symptoms and improve your child’s quality of life. Call the office in Frisco, Texas, or click our online booking feature.