A child who coughs through the night may seem like they’re fighting another cold. A young athlete who regularly stops to catch their breath might simply be considered out of shape. And a child who coughs every time they run may just say, “I’m tired.”

Sometimes, though, those patterns can be signs of asthma.

For Black families, this is especially important to recognize. National CDC surveillance has found that Black children experience higher rates of asthma than White children. That disparity does not mean being Black causes asthma. Asthma is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, environmental exposures, housing conditions, air pollution, allergens, and access to preventive healthcare.

And here in Central Florida, our environment can add another layer. Heat, humidity, pollen, and mold are all worth paying attention to.

What Does Asthma Look Like in Children?

Asthma affects the airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrow. This can make it harder for air to move in and out.

Common symptoms include:

Coughing
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath

But asthma doesn’t look the same in every child.

Some children wheeze. Others mainly cough, particularly at night. Exercise can also bring symptoms to the surface.

If your child regularly coughs, wheezes, or becomes unusually short of breath during activities like basketball, soccer, dance, or running, don’t automatically assume they need to “get in better shape.” Talk with their pediatrician about the pattern.

Know Your Child’s Triggers

Asthma triggers can vary from child to child. In Central Florida, outdoor pollen and humidity may contribute to symptoms, while indoor triggers can include mold, dust mites, cockroaches, pet allergens, tobacco smoke, vaping aerosol, and strong fragrances.

This is where parents can become good investigators.

Pay attention to when and where your child’s symptoms appear. Do they get worse during a particular season? After spending time outside? Around pets? In a certain building? After cleaning?

Those observations can give your child’s healthcare provider valuable information.

Asthma Doesn’t Mean Sitting on the Sidelines

An asthma diagnosis doesn’t have to keep your child from playing the sports they love.

Many children, including elite athletes, participate in sports successfully with properly managed asthma. The key is understanding your child’s treatment plan.

Parents should know:

Which medication is used for everyday control
Which medication provides quick relief
How the inhaler should be used
Whether a spacer is recommended
Whether medication needs to be available at school or during activities

It’s also important to make sure coaches, school nurses, and other responsible adults know about your child’s asthma and what to do if symptoms occur.

Know When Breathing Problems Are an Emergency

Parents should know the difference between symptoms that can be managed according to their child’s asthma plan and signs of a serious breathing emergency.

Severe difficulty breathing, being unable to speak normally because of breathlessness, significant pulling around the ribs or neck while breathing, bluish or gray lips or face, confusion, extreme exhaustion, or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical attention.

Follow your child’s individualized asthma action plan and seek emergency care when necessary.

Questions to Ask at Your Child’s Next Appointment

If your child has asthma, don’t leave the pediatrician’s office knowing only that they “have asthma.” Make sure you understand the plan.

Ask:

Is my child’s asthma well controlled?
What triggers do you suspect?
Which medication is for everyday control?
Which medication is for quick relief?
Does my child need a spacer?
Should medication be available at school or during sports?
What symptoms mean I should call the office?
What symptoms mean I should seek emergency care?

Good asthma management is a partnership between parents, children, and their healthcare team.

A Final Reminder for Central Florida Parents

Asthma does not have to define your child’s childhood.

With proper management, children with asthma can learn, play, travel, and participate in many of the activities they love.

The first step is paying attention to the patterns.

Know the triggers. Know the medications. Keep the school informed. Have an asthma action plan. And if something about your child’s breathing doesn’t seem right, ask.

Sometimes, the parent who notices the pattern is the first to realize their child needs help.

Why Asthma Hits Black Children Harder: What Central Florida Parents Need to Know