How you explain asthma to a child depends on factors such as the age and maturity of the child and the severity of the disease. It is important to discuss what happens in the airways, both during an attack and when asthma is under control. Also, your child should understand how medications are used in asthma to control the problem and during attacks. It is also important to let your child know that many children have asthma and they lead normal lives every day.

You and your child can learn more about asthma together with the help of the Asthma Wizard, a magician who explains asthma symptoms, peak flow meters, and other concepts. The Asthma Wizard is on the National Jewish Medical and Research Center website.