When your child has asthma, it can feel overwhelming, especially in the early days when symptoms are unpredictable and frightening. Jasmine Santos, a registered nurse and now Certified Respiratory Educator from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, knows this both as a health care professional and as a mom.

Early Signs and Concerns

Jasmine’s son Milo, now six, was born prematurely which may have increased his chances of developing asthma. For Milo’s first few years, his breathing seemed normal. But when he was three years old, things began to change. He started having frequent croup episodes. In just five months, Jasmine rushed him to the hospital four/five times so he could get oral steroids to help him breathe.

“That was when I really started to notice patterns, he was red-faced and winded after running, and coughing at night even when he wasn’t sick.”

Like many parents, Jasmine wondered if she was overreacting. Was this just a stage Milo would grow out of, or was it something more?

Seeking Help

As both a nurse and a mom, Jasmine trusted her instincts. She spoke to their family doctor about her concerns and pushed for more answers. The doctor recommended a trial with a low-dose steroid inhaler.

The results were immediate and noticeable. Milo’s coughing eased, his nighttime symptoms improved, and he began to enjoy activities that previously left him exhausted. For Jasmine, it was a turning point. She had suspected asthma, and now she finally had some validation and a treatment plan to support her son.

“You know your child best! If you notice something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to speak up.”

New Challenges at School

As Milo grew older and started school, asthma management became more complicated. His symptoms intensified, especially at recess when he was more active and exposed to outdoor triggers.

In December 2023, Milo experienced a severe asthma exacerbation after contracting RSV, which led to hospitalization.

“It was really scary, he was struggling to breathe, and as a parent, you feel helpless in those moments.”

A few weeks later, he also developed pneumonia, highlighting how quickly respiratory illnesses can complicate asthma in young children. This episode came shortly after Milo had started school, when children are more likely to catch viruses. Working closely with a pediatrician, Jasmine and her family adjusted Milo’s medications, added an allergy treatment, and connected with a Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE). These steps significantly improved his symptoms and helped establish a plan to prevent future attacks, both at home and at school.

For many parents, this is one of the most stressful stages of asthma care – entrusting teachers and school staff with your child’s health. Jasmine had to make sure Milo’s educators knew about his triggers, symptoms, and what to do in case of an attack. With an asthma action plan in place and open communication, she helped ensure Milo was safe and supported during the school day.

“I would tell parents to ask questions, it’s absolutely OK to ask teachers and the school where the puffer is stored, and whether staff know what to do if their child has asthma symptoms. It’s so important to advocate for your children, even if it feels uncomfortable. I also think it’s a good idea to give the school a copy of your child’s asthma action plan. It’s one thing to have a standardized form filled out, but having that action plan on hand really makes a difference.”

Living Well with Asthma

Today, Milo is thriving. With the right inhaler, regular monitoring, and a clear action plan, he can run and play like any other child. For Jasmine, the journey has been a reminder that asthma is not just about medical management, it’s about advocacy, awareness, and persistence.

Her advice to other parents is simple but powerful: trust yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, keep asking questions until you get the support your child needs.

“Being a nurse gave me knowledge, but being a mom gave me determination. And that’s what made the difference for Milo.”

Joining Asthma Canada’s Asthma & Allergy HelpLine

Jasmine’s own journey with Milo inspired her to take things even further. After seeing how confusing and overwhelming the asthma system could be for parents, she decided to become a Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE).

“As a primary care nurse, I’ve seen a lot of sick kids with asthma, but the CRE I worked with gave me advice and tips I hadn’t even known before.”

Now, Jasmine uses both her professional training and lived experience to support families, giving them the tools and confidence to manage asthma more effectively.

“I want to support families like my own through the challenging stages of asthma, and being a CRE on Asthma Canada’s Asthma & Allergy HelpLine has given me the opportunity to do just that!”

Mission Breathe

Milo also enjoyed exploring Mission Breathe, Asthma Canada’s new interactive game for children. The game uses fun activities and quizzes to teach kids about asthma, triggers, and proper inhaler use.

“He really liked the different stations and the bedroom section where he got to pack his school bag with the items he needed each day. It sparked conversations with us about taking his puffer and understanding his asthma, which made learning both fun and practical.”

Tools like Mission Breathe help children build confidence in managing their asthma while reinforcing the habits that keep them safe and healthy.

To help support parents and teachers keep kids with asthma safe when returning to school and throughout the school year, we’ve developed a Back-To-School with Asthma: Digital Pack for Parents & Teachers.

If you have questions on managing your asthma and allergies, please contact our free HelpLine at 1-866-787-4050 or info@asthma.ca. Our team of asthma and allergy experts will happily assist you with your asthma control and help put your mind at ease.