If your child frequently experiences coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, particularly during physical activity, they may be among the millions of young people living with asthma.
Approximately 4.8 million children in the United States, or about 1 in 12, have asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making it one of the nation's most common chronic childhood conditions.
Characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, the disease can interfere with everyday activities, from playing sports to attending school and getting a good night's sleep.
“One of the challenges with pediatric asthma is that symptoms can vary from child to child and are often mistaken for recurring colds or other respiratory illnesses,” said Santos Cantu, MD, a pediatric and emergency medicine physician and medical director of the emergency department at South Texas Health System (STHS) Children’s. "Although many children begin experiencing symptoms at a young age, asthma is often diagnosed during the preschool and early elementary years, when symptom patterns become more apparent and easier to recognize."
Early diagnosis is essential because untreated or poorly controlled asthma can significantly impact a child's quality of life. Beyond disrupting sleep and limiting participation in physical activities, it can affect school attendance and performance while increasing the risk of severe flare-ups that require emergency care or hospitalization.
“Pediatric asthma is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and managing it often becomes more complex as a child grows and their body, environment and activity levels change,” said Dr. Cantu. “What works for a child at age 5 may need to be adjusted by age 10 or 15. That's why regular follow-up and ongoing monitoring are so important. Asthma care is an evolving process that requires collaboration between families, healthcare providers and patients to ensure children can continue to lead active, healthy lives.”
Fortunately, with proper diagnosis, treatment and a well-managed asthma action plan, most children can participate fully in the activities they enjoy, including competitive athletics and other physically demanding pursuits.
“An asthma diagnosis doesn't have to limit a child's future,” said Dr. Cantu. “With consistent monitoring, the right support and a strong partnership between families and their healthcare team, children with asthma can stay active, pursue their passions and enjoy a full, healthy childhood. Our goal is not just to control symptoms, but to help children build the confidence to participate in the activities they love.”
To raise awareness for one of the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting children, STHS will focus the latest episode of “South Texas Healthy Living” on pediatric asthma and its far-reaching effects on physical and emotional well-being.
Airing Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO NBC 23, the 30-minute program will feature an in-depth conversation with Dr. Cantu, who will discuss the causes, risk factors and warning signs of pediatric asthma, while highlighting treatment options and lifestyle modifications that can help young patients breathe easier and enjoy a better quality of life.
Additionally, STHS System Director of Marketing & Public Relations and “South Texas Healthy Living” host Tom Castañeda sits down with Lauren Garza, a 16-year-old McAllen High School student-athlete who has lived with asthma since childhood.
During the candid interview, Lauren and her mother reflect on their family's journey navigating the condition, from the challenges of finding an effective treatment plan to learning how to prevent flare-ups and manage symptoms. They also share how Lauren embraced an active lifestyle through competitive volleyball, powerlifting and track and field, using sports to strengthen her respiratory health, build confidence and take ownership of her condition while excelling both in the classroom and in competition.
The episode will also feature a healthy cooking segment with Patrick Woodin, Director of Dietary & Nutrition Services at STHS McAllen, who will prepare a nutritious recipe designed to support lung health and combat inflammation. In addition, a member of the STHS Edinburg Outpatient Rehabilitation Center team will demonstrate safe and effective exercises that encourage children with asthma to stay active and moving.
Through a combination of expert medical guidance, personal experiences, nutrition tips and fitness demonstrations, the program will equip families with practical tools and strategies to better understand and manage pediatric asthma.
“For many families, an asthma diagnosis can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn't have to limit a child's potential,” said Castañeda. “With the right care, support and everyday management strategies, children with asthma can excel in school, sports and other activities they enjoy. At STHS, we're proud to provide families with the resources they need to help their children get healthy and stay healthy, empowering them to breathe easier, live healthier and reach their full potential.”
To learn more about pediatric asthma, tune in to the latest episode of “South Texas Healthy Living” on Sunday, September 27, at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO NBC 23, with an encore airing on Sunday, October 4, at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO NBC 23.
To watch previous episodes of “South Texas Healthy Living” and the system’s South Texas Health Updates, a series of one-minute videos providing expert insight on a variety of health and wellness topics, visit the STHS Medical Minute page on ValleyCentral.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
