Asthma is an inflammatory condition affecting the lungs causing narrowing of the airways, swelling and increased mucus production. In addition to making breathing different, asthma can make physical tasks challenging or not possible. Over 25 million people worldwide have asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Asthma is the most widespread chronic illness affecting children.
While asthma cannot be cured, controlling and managing its symptoms is possible. Asthma frequently changes over time, so it is important to work with your child’s doctor to evaluate their signs and symptoms and adjust the therapy as needed.
Wheezing is the most typical asthmatic symptom in kids. It is characterised by whistling or screeching sounds while breathing. Additional signs of childhood asthma may include:
Your child’s symptoms may worsen during an asthma attack:
Symptoms vary from person to person depending on the type of asthma as these symptoms are not present in every asthmatic. One might only experience symptoms occasionally, or they may experience symptoms constantly.
Although asthma is more prevalent in children, many do not get diagnosed until adulthood. Research stuies on asthma have not determined the exact cause, these factors are known to play a role in the diagnosis:
Genetics: Children run a higher chance of developing the illness if asthma or other allergy illnesses run in the family.
Allergies: Asthma risk increases for those with allergies.
Respiratory Infections: An infants lungs can be harmed during development by respiratory diseases, like the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Environmental Factors: People can acquire asthma after exposure to toxins that aggravate the airways such as different allergens, poison, gas, or second or third-hand smoke. These toxins are particularly dangerous for developing immune systems like those in babies and young children.
A doctor will physically examine your child to rule out other conditions with similar systems like a respiratory infection or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The doctor will also inquire about the child’s signs and symptoms and any further health issues.
Tests for Measuring Lung Function: To measure how much air a child breathes in and out, they could undergo a lung function test. Peak flow and spirometry are two possible tests.
Additional Tests: Additional tests to diagnose asthma include nitric oxide tests, imaging tests, methacholine challenge, sputum eosinophils, allergy testing, and provocative testing for exercise and cold-induced asthma.
Treatment of asthma typically involves a plan for long-term control to stop asthma attacks before they start by identifying triggers and tracking breathing. Medications can be used for prevention and quick relief of symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory medicines: These drugs lessen airway oedema and mucus production and increase the flow of air into and out of the lungs. A doctor may prescribe them for daily use to manage or avoid persistent asthma symptoms.
Bronchodilators: These medications make breathing easier by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and expanding the airways. Bronchodilators are used to treat intermittent and chronic asthma and result in short-term symptom relief.
Biological Therapies: They are utilised when severe asthma symptoms continue despite receiving the right inhaler medication.
The exact cause of asthma has yet to be determined and prevention of this condition is not possible without further research. There is more knowledge on the prevention of asthma attacks and reducing the risk of a severe reaction.
Using Preventive Medication: Your child can be given daily medication as a prevenative measure in addition to their emergency medication.
Taking Allergy Shots: Allergen immunotherapy is one type of treatment that might affect a child’s immune system. If you get shots frequently, your body may respond differently to known triggers.
Avoiding Triggers: Avoid anything in the past that has been idefntied to cause difficulty in breathing.
Reducing Allergen Exposure: Avoid dust, mould or any other allergens you have found to previously cause an asthma attack.
It is important to see a doctor if you believe you or your child have asthma to be diagnosed and create a treatment plan. Many people live healthy lives with asthma if it’s managed well.