Children are more likely to have asthma than are adults. In fact, asthma is one of the most common long-term (chronic) diseases in children, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Find out more about this condition by taking this quiz.
1. Asthma is a common disease among children and adults in the U.S.
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Asthma is a common disease among children and adults in the U.S., and it is increasing.
2. Asthma is an emotional or mental illness.
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Asthma is not an emotional or mental disease. But strong emotions can sometimes make asthma worse or trigger an asthma attack. People with asthma are more likely to have depression and anxiety than people who don't have asthma.
3. Asthma flare-ups may cause breathing problems but aren't dangerous.
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Asthma flare-ups can be very dangerous. A child having a flare-up may need to be treated at the emergency department or in the hospital. Flare-ups are also life-threatening. They can cause death.
4. Asthma flare-ups usually occur suddenly without warning.
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Sometimes an asthma flare-up may come on quite quickly. But early symptoms are usually present. Children and parents can learn to recognize the triggers and early symptoms of a flare-up. This knowledge helps them manage the disease over the long term.
5. Many different things can cause an asthma flare-up.
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For most children with asthma, flare-ups may be triggered by many things. Some of these are pollen from trees or grasses, molds or house dust, weather changes, strong odors, and cigarette smoke. Other triggers include being upset, laughing or crying hard, exercise, and exposure to cold air. Having a cold or the flu, or being near furry or feathered animals also can cause flare-ups.
6. Asthma can't be cured, but it can be controlled.
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There is no cure yet for asthma. But people with asthma can control it by:
- Working with your child's doctor.
- Learning to notice early signs of an asthma flare-up and to start treatment right away.
- Keeping your child away from triggers or things that cause asthma flare-ups.
- Taking medicine as prescribed.
- Knowing when to get medical help for severe flare-ups.
7. Different types of medicine are available to control asthma.
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Several types of medicines are available to control asthma. Some children with mild asthma need to take medicine only when they have symptoms. But most children need to take medicine every day to prevent symptoms and different medicine when symptoms do occur.
8. Children with asthma have no way to monitor how well their lungs are working.
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A peak flow meter is one way children and teens with asthma can tell how well their lungs are working. This small device can be used at home, work, or school. The peak flow meter may show that the asthma is getting worse before symptoms appear.
9. Asthma only starts in childhood.
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Both children and adults can have asthma. Sometimes, but not always, symptoms will go away as children get older. But many people who had asthma as children continue to have asthma symptoms throughout adulthood. In some cases, asthma doesn't occur until a person is an adult.
10. Tobacco smoke can make an asthma flare-up worse.
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Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes can cause an asthma flare-up. And tobacco smoke can worsen a flare-up caused by other triggers.
11. Children with asthma should not exercise.
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Children with asthma should exercise. They are able to play most sports when asthma is under control. Many children with asthma take medicine before exercising to prevent flare-ups.
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Author: Sinovic, Dianna
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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