Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Asthma is the most common long-lasting (chronic) disease of childhood. It usually develops before age 5.footnote 1 Many children who have allergies get asthma, but not all. And not every child with asthma has allergies. In most cases of persistent asthma, the first symptoms (such as wheezing) start in the first years of life. One study notes that about 25 out of 100 children with persistent asthma began wheezing before 6 months of age and about 75 out of 100 began wheezing by 3 years of age.footnote 2 Early infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that causes a lower respiratory infection is a risk factor for wheezing.footnote 2 But other research shows that upper respiratory infections that do not progress to lower respiratory infections may protect a child from developing asthma.footnote 2 If your child has persistent asthma, he or she may have: It is likely that your child will not develop asthma even if he or she wheezes as an infant. It is also hard to predict whether your child's asthma will continue into the teen years or adulthood. Current as of: August 6, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: August 6, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
How Asthma Develops in Children
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Asthma as your child grows
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Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: August 6, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardHow Asthma Develops in Children
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.