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Asthma is ongoing swelling of airways in the lungs. This swelling, also known as inflammation, makes the airways prone to bouts of difficult breathing. These are called asthma attacks. Common triggers include allergies, colds and exercise. Asthma can be managed with treatments and lifestyle changes. Medicines can control inflammation or treat asthma attacks. And some attacks can be prevented by staying away from triggers when you can.

Healthcare professionals can find and treat asthma in children under age 5, but it may take time. In infants and young children, the main symptoms of asthma are coughing and a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing out. This sound is called wheezing. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Also, standard tests that measure how well someone breathes cannot be used easily or accurately with children under age 5. What's more, some asthma treatments available to older children are not recommended for infants and preschool children.

For these reasons, your child's healthcare team needs to track your little one's asthma closely to manage the condition. You'll also work with the care team to make a written action plan. This helps you and other people in your child's life know what to do when your child has asthma symptoms.