As a parent, watching your child struggle to breathe is one of the most frightening experiences imaginable. Asthma, a common but serious condition, affects thousands of Canadian children and millions of children around the world —and understanding it is the first step toward managing it with confidence.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it harder to breathe. Children with asthma may experience:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath

These symptoms can be triggered by allergens, viruses, exercise, or even cold air. While asthma has no cure, it can be managed effectively with the right tools and knowledge.

How Is Asthma Diagnosed?

Even if your child seems to breathe normally most of the time, asthma can still affect their lung function. A spirometry test to measure how well the lungs are working is most commonly used. This test is part of a group called Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs).

Key Measurements in Spirometry:

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): The total amount of air your child can exhale after taking a deep breath. It helps ensure the test is consistent and reliable.

Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV): Measures how much air is exhaled in the first 0.5, 0.75 or one second. Healthcare providers use it to assess if there are limitations in air flow which can be associated with outcomes and severity of obstruction. If this number is below 80% of what’s expected for your child’s age, it may indicate airway obstruction.

Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF): Shows how fast and forcefully your child can blow air out. It’s a good indicator of effort and lung strength.

Forced Expiratory Flow (FEF): Focuses on the middle part of the breath and is more sensitive to show issues in the smaller airways. It is also referred to as Maximum Mid-Expiratory Flow (MMEF).

FEV/FVC Ratio: This ratio compares how much air is forcefully exhaled in the first 0.5 (FEV_0.5), 0.75 (FEV_0.75) or one (FEV₁) second compared to the total exhaled.  In children, this value is typically larger due to the larger relative size of their large airways compared to their total lung volume. According to the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Diseases (GOLD), a ratio lower than 0.70 may be a signal of more serious lung issues and your clinician may want to monitor more closely.

Why This Matters for Your Child

Asthma is the most common chronic condition in children, and early detection and management are key. Understanding these measurements helps you and your child’s healthcare provider track progress and adjust treatment plans.

Making Lung Health Fun with Sparky™

Managing asthma doesn’t have to be scary or boring. That’s why Lung Games International Inc. created Sparky™, a cuddly digital companion that turns breathing exercises into a game. Using a handheld spirometer as a controller, kids help Sparky™ complete fun challenges—while learning proper breathing techniques and tracking their lung health.

It’s a playful way to build healthy habits and give parents peace of mind.

Want to learn more about Sparky™ or how to support your child’s lung health?  Stay tuned for more tips, tools, and stories from families just like yours.

References

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