Asthma is a disease of the airways in the lungs. No one knows exactly why some children get it. And so far there isn't a cure. But it can be controlled so your child can enjoy a happy, active life.

If your child's asthma treatment isn’t working, don’t give up! With the right plan, asthma can be controlled.

Your child will most likely have at least one inhaled type of asthma medication. Which type depends on the kind of medication she takes or on her age and preference.

Your child's healthcare team works with you to make an action plan for your child. The plan can help control asthma on a daily basis and prevent flare-ups. It also tells what to do if a flare-up occurs. Part of the plan is understanding the medications used to control asthma. Here is an outline.

Don’t let fear of an asthma flare-up keep your child from being active. Olympic athletes with asthma are able to perform because their asthma is in control. The same is true for your child.

Daily inhaled corticosteroids are a key part of the treatment for children with mild, moderate or severe persistent asthma. "The possible side effects of medication are far less important than the known effects of untreated asthma," says William E. Berger, M.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

If you have a child who has asthma, there's a lot you can do to help keep the asthma under control. Here are five key suggestions to consider.

Asthma in children, especially in preschoolers, is becoming increasingly more common in the United States.

You may be wondering what questions the provider will ask or what tests and exams your child will need.

You can smooth the way for your asthmatic child to spend time at the homes of family and friends, at daycare, or at school.

"Asthma is a disease with many triggers, including allergens and viral infections," says a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics. "But for a small set of patients, exercise is the sole trigger."

The best way to prepare the school staff to meet your child’s needs is to develop an asthma action plan.

Having asthma isn’t easy, and for most kids, neither is being a teen. Here are some common teen issues and suggestions for easing your child’s concerns.

If your child has asthma, take time to learn about the disease and how it's successfully treated.