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It's hard to tell whether your child will grow out of asthma, but up to 75 percent of children with asthma do.¹

Babies who are wheezy also have a good chance of growing out of it. As their lungs grow, the wheezy episodes may simply disappear.

Girls with asthma, children with severe asthma and children who have relatives with allergic diseases, such as eczema and hay fever, are at greater risk of having asthma as an adult.²

A bad asthma attack may mean your child needs treatment in the hospital. But it's very rare for children to die from asthma in the United States.³

Asthma doesn't usually stop children from taking part in everyday activities, such as playing outdoors and doing sports.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.