Pediatric Asthma

Asthma is a serious respiratory condition that causes your child’s airways to become narrow and inflamed, making it hard to breathe. When your child has asthma, it can be triggered by a variety of factors including allergies, exercise, and respiratory infections.

Pediatric asthma symptoms

If your child has asthma, they are not alone. About 6 million children* from birth to age 17 in the United States (1 in 12) have asthma. Asthma symptoms in children can include:

  • Breathing that is louder or faster than normal.
  • Wheezing.
  • Frequent coughing.
  • Coughing that gets worse after physical activity.

Asthma symptoms are often worse at night, when the weather is colder, when your child is sick, or after your child has been exposed to allergens. When your child has asthma, they may frequently miss school or not be able to participate in physical activities.

Diagnosing and treating asthma in kids

At AHN, our pediatric asthma specialists can diagnose asthma after reviewing your child’s symptoms and medical history and doing a physical exam. Because there are many conditions that can mimic asthma symptoms, it can sometimes be hard to diagnose asthma in young children.

If your child’s pediatrician suspects asthma, they can prescribe a number of medications to quickly relieve symptoms and help minimize future asthma attacks. While most asthma medicines are inhaled, some are prescribed in pill form, injectable form, or infusion form.

Because asthma often changes as children get older, we customize treatment plans for every child. Your  child’s treatment plan may include one type of asthma medication or a combination of two or more types. We also regularly monitor your child’s asthma symptoms to see if adjustments to the treatment plan need to be made.

Why choose the AHN Pediatric Institute if your child has asthma?

The asthma specialists at AHN Pediatrics have the diagnostic expertise to understand what might be contributing to your child’s symptoms and offer asthma treatment options to help them breathe better again. We deliver comprehensive care by coordinating with your pediatrician, allergists, immunologists, and pharmacists, and tailor treatments to fit each child’s unique needs.

How to schedule

To make or reschedule an appointment with an AHN Pediatrics provider (new and current patients):

Find pediatric primary care

Choosing the right provider for your child is an important decision. We’ll help you find an AHN pediatrician who matches your needs. 

Appointment options

AHN Pediatrics offers in-person appointments, telehealth virtual appointments, and 24/7 sick child support. Learn more about our appointment options.

Insurance coverage

AHN Pediatrics is part of the Allegheny Clinic Physicians group. You can check your insurance coverage at all Allegheny Clinic Physician practices or call the Member Service phone number on the back of your member ID card.

MyChart® benefits

AHN Pediatrics uses the AHN MyChart patient portal to send important information related to your child’s care. You can also use MyChart to ask nonurgent questions, request prescription refills, or pay a medical bill for any of your child’s AHN health care providers. 

Sign up for a free MyChart account and download the MyChart app for on-the-go convenience:

MyChart® is a registered trademark of Epic Systems Corporation and used with permission.