If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, you probably have a lot of questions about the condition and how you can put your child at ease as well as yourself.

The first thing to do is relax. There's no need to worry. Just because asthma is a lifelong condition, it doesn't have to keep your kid from being a kid. With the proper treatment, including taking prescribed medications as directed by your child's doctor even when your child is feeling fine, most children should be able to enjoy an active childhood.

To assist you in finding the answers you may be looking for, we've outlined some questions frequently asked by other parents.

What is asthma?
How common is it?
How did my child get asthma?
I've heard it's possible that my child may outgrow the asthma. Is this true?
How can I help treat my child's asthma?
Some days my child feels fine. Why did the doctor say my child needs to take medication every day?
Is there a cure for asthma?

What is asthma?

The first thing to do is relax. There's no need to worry. Just because asthma is a lifelong condition, it doesn't have to keep your kid from being a kid. With the proper treatment, including taking prescribed medications as directed by your child's doctor even when your child is feeling fine, most children should be able to enjoy an active childhood.

Asthma is a respiratory disease with two main components—airway constriction and inflammation. Together, constriction and inflammation narrow the airways, which can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

How common is it?

Childhood asthma is probably more common than you would think. Statistics show that an estimated 6.3 million children under 18 years of age in the United States have been diagnosed with asthma.

How did my child get asthma?

It's hard to say, but a person's genetic makeup as well as environmental factors may be the culprits. If both parents have asthma, there is a greater risk for the child.

I've heard it's possible that my child may outgrow the asthma. Is this true?

Unfortunately, no. This is simply a myth. It may appear that your child's asthma may go away. But asthma is a chronic disease. So children who may seem to have outgrown their asthma may have symptoms again at any time. It's also possible that their asthma symptoms may just be very slight. Or that the child may have changed some daily activities to avoid the symptoms in the first place.

How can I help treat my child's asthma?

The first step is through educating yourself and your child. Gaining knowledge about your child's condition can help you avoid asthma triggers, monitor and prevent symptoms, and help your child enjoy things every kid should. To manage your child's asthma properly, you and your child will need to monitor peak flow meter readings, avoid triggers, and follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment. Learn more about how to treat your child's asthma.

Some days my child feels fine. Why did the doctor say my child needs to take medication every day?

Asthma is a chronic condition that will be with your child throughout his or her life. Part of treating asthma is helping to prevent symptoms. That's why it's so important to continue recommended treatments as directed by your child's doctor even when symptoms aren't present.

Is there a cure for asthma?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Asthma is a lifelong condition. But with the proper treatment, asthma shouldn't stand in the way of your child's living a healthy life.