Asthma and Children The majority of children with asthma have
allergies. Even exposure to low-grade allergens (those that
don't cause significant allergic reactions) may increase the
severity of a child's asthma. In addition, allergies may play a
role in undiagnosed asthma cases. Other triggers of childhood
asthma may include: - Upper respiratory infections, such as
colds - Inhaled irritants, such as secondhand smoke - Certain
weather conditions, such as cold air - Physical expressions of
emotion, such as crying, laughing, or yelling However, with
proper management of the asthma, such as avoiding triggers,
taking prescribed medications, monitoring for warning signs, and
knowing what to do during an asthma attack, a child with asthma
can conduct a healthy and active lifestyle. How asthma will
affect a child throughout his or her lifetime depends on the
child. Many infants and toddlers have an episode or two of
wheezing during viral illnesses (such as cold or flu). However,
the majority of these children don't