Asthma in children: All you need to know

A growing number of children suffer from asthma and the number of asthmatic cases and asthmatic attacks are on the rise. But kids are often unlikely to display symptoms before they reach the age of five. Your child is more likely to get this condition if you or your parents have asthma and if you have inherited a tendency to develop allergies. Children who have certain viral infections are also at a higher risk of becoming asthmatic.

What is asthma

Asthma is a  chronic disease that affects the lungs. It involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways, also known as the bronchial tubes, through which air flows in and out of the lungs, causing them to become swollen and very sensitive. The muscles in the airways may contract and their cells may produce more mucus than usual, contributing to a further constriction. While the exact causes of asthma are not well understood, scientists believe that there are a number of factors that contribute to it.

Triggers

There are particular things that trigger asthma symptoms. These may include certain foods, drinks, medicines, infections like the common cold, exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke, air pollution, and chemicals or allergens like dust, pollen, animal fur, and even cockroaches. Physical activity may also trigger asthma.

Common signs of asthma

Asthma can be a minor nuisance to other children, while for others it can be a major, lifelong problem. Typically, the disease involves recurring periods of chest tightness, shortness of breath (as though you can’t get enough air into your lungs), coughing, and wheezing (a distinctive, squeaky, hissing, or whistling sound made when breathing). Children also suffer rapid breathing and having to catch their breath often during physical activity, dark rings under the eyes, coughing spells at night and while laughing or playing, a loss of appetite, a lack of energy, and frequent head and chest aches. These symptoms are often worse at night or early in the morning. If your child has any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor. They will do tests, including a function test, to determine whether or not asthma is indeed the problem.

Treating and living with asthma

Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma. If your child has it, they will go through periods when they feel perfectly fine, but the symptoms of the illness can make their appearance at any time. Through the advances of modern medicine, however, asthma can be managed effectively, allowing your child to lead a full and active life. If your child has been diagnosed as being asthmatic, you should speak to your doctor about the best ways of dealing with it. He or she will give you advice on how to avoid the things that trigger or worsen your child’s asthma, except for regular exercise, which plays an important part in their overall health. Swimming is often recommended as a good form of exercise for children with asthma, so it’s worth giving that a try, although there is only limited scientific evidence that it is particularly beneficial. Your doctor will also help develop an asthma action plan for your child that includes instructions for taking medication, a list of asthma triggers and how to steer clear of them, what to do if the symptoms get worse and how to deal with emergencies like asthma attacks.

Medication

Two types of medication are used to treat the disease: ones that provide fast relief when the symptoms flare up and ones that help to reduce the underlying inflammation of the airways in the longer term. Most are inhaled directly into the lungs by using a small device called an inhaler. Make sure that everyone who looks after your child knows about their condition, including their school teachers, and that they have access to the appropriate medication and know how, and when, to use it.