These children wheeze with viral infections in the chest. After the age of two years, inhalant aeroallergens from both indoor and outdoor sources may induce an allergic reaction within the lungs, which immune reaction is then referred to as asthma. A child whose asthma is under control will grow and develop normally. The reverse is also true. Normal growth and development will not occur if a child has asthma that is poorly controlled.
Breathing normally is very important for normal growth.
Infections, like colds and sore throats, can start or worsen asthma symptoms. The lungs of patients with asthma are irritable and hyper responsive. Infections, cold air inhalation, and other irritants to the lungs may result in asthma symptoms. Even if a child with asthma feels fine, wheezing can occur with normal activity such as walking, laughing or climbing stairs. Many patients benefit from using a meter called a peak flow meter that can help to alert the asthma patient of the fact that their lungs are not functioning as good as they could with additional use of appropriate medicines.