Asthma in Children

March 10th, 2007 by Steve | View blog reactions

Over four million children below 18 years old are affected by asthma making it considered as among the most common chronic diseases in children. For proper management of asthma, parents of a child with this disease should be well-informed and educated on the signs of an attack as well as the factors that triggers it as well as other crucial information.

There is no single factor that can be pointed as the real, base cause of childhood asthma. It is believed by many an expert that childhood asthma has a strong allergic component and is partly hereditary. The inflamed airways may be caused by viral infections, allergies or airborne irritants. Recurrent respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis might also be experienced by a child with asthma. A kid should also be evaluated for asthma if he coughs after crying or after a strenuous physical activity like running around. Irritability among asthmatic children is also common because of the discomfort they get from the tightness of their chest and their labored breathing.

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There is also, surprisingly, a condition called hidden asthma. It is a kind of asthma that is diagnosed through physician’s testing of a child’s pulmonary function. With this kind of asthma, the child only exhibits mild symptoms that are sometimes even unrecognizable.

Asthma in children is characterized by excessive mucus that comes as a result of inflamed bronchial airways as well as by the swelling and contraction of the respiratory muscles. Obstruction of the airways caused by this sudden change in the respiratory system results in breathing difficulties. When this occurs, a shortness of breath punctuated by coughing and wheezing will be experienced by your child. Asthma attacks may be classified as mild, moderate or severe with the severe type already needed medical attention preferably at the hospital. Either way, it would still be better to prevent an asthma attack.

Exercise, infections, allergies, irritants, weather and emotion are among the most common factors that could trigger an asthma attack among asthmatic children. Nearly 80 percent of children with asthma experience attacks because of exercise. Because this activity is also necessary in a kid’s life, you could actually prevent an asthma episode by giving your child a bronchodilator medication before letting him do any physical activity. Among all physical activities, swimming is the least likely to trigger an asthma attack. Also make sure that your child is well-hydrated before doing any kind exercise activity.

Viral respiratory infections are also one of the most common factors that could cause flare-up of childhood asthma. This is the reason for pediatricians’ recommendations of having babies undergo flu vaccination. Allergies are also known to trigger asthma attacks. Dust, pollen and even food have components that are allergens and can cause inflammation of the airways, which could result in an asthma episode.

Another factor that could trigger an asthma attacks is the change in weather conditions. Cold air, as proven by numerous studies, could provoke an episode. When going outside, you should make your child wear a protective mask or even a simple heavy scarf to protect him from inhaling that cold air. Strong winds cause dust and pollen to scatter, raising up the chances of an asthma attack. If you are having these kinds of weather conditions, it might be better to confine the activities of your asthmatic child indoors.

Emotional stress caused by anxiety, anger or frustration could also trigger a flare-up. Hyperventilation or rapid breathing is often the result of emotional stress among asthmatic children. This can worsen an asthma attack further. Your child should be encouraged to calm down and relax. As soon as his breathing becomes normal, asthma medication should be given.

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