Asthma In Children: What Causes It And How Do You Treat It?

Childhood asthma is a very common condition amongst growing boys and girls. However, it can produce some very unpleasant and frightening symptoms, and, when uncontrolled, it can even be life threatening.

Children with asthma may experience wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing, especially early in the morning or at night.

Children with asthma are at risk for sleep-disordered breathing which can cause a wide range of problems, including diminished cognitive functioning, behavior and mood difficulties, and daytime sleepiness.

Children with asthma have different sets of triggers. Triggers are the factors that irritate the airways and cause asthma symptoms. Children's airways are narrower than those of adults. This means that triggers that may cause only a slight problem in an adult can create more serious problems in children.

Children with an allergy are more likely than other children to develop asthma. Most children with asthma have allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis or both.

Why Are Children Prone To Asthma?

Children with asthma have long been recognized as particularly sensitive to outdoor air pollution. Many common air pollutants, such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter are respiratory irritants and can exacerbate asthma.

Children in poor inner-city communities are disproportionately exposed to both indoor and outdoor allergens -- cockroaches, mice, mold, dust, cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust, soot -- that can trigger breathing problems.

Children, in particular, are prone to pet allergies due to their tendency to cuddle and play with their pets and, especially, to hold them close to their faces. The usual symptoms are associated with the respiratory system in the form of hay fever, running nose, etc.

How Do You Treat Asthma In Children?

Children with moderate or severe asthma should learn to use a peak flow meter to help keep their asthma under control. Using a peak flow meter can be very helpful because children often have a hard time describing their symptoms.

Children 4 years and older may be prescribed the asthma inhaler Advair. Advair is a combination of two medications that treats both airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Children with asthma who are 12 years and older are treated as adults.

Children as young as three can learn to use an inhaler with a spacer. And for babies and very young children, a face mask can be attached.

Children may not eat, sleep, or play as usual with certain medications, but these symptoms are difficult to report or observe until they represent a marked divergence from normal behaviors.

Finally

Children rarely have symptoms between episodes (maybe just one or two flare-ups per month involving mild symptoms at night). Mild asthma should never be ignored because, even between flares, airways are inflamed.

Children with asthma (with the help of their parents) also need to know how to manage their own condition. Simple educational interventions designed to teach self-management skills among children have been shown to reduce the readmission rate and morbidity.

Children may be embarrassed about taking their medicine at school. Work with your child's teacher, school nurse, and coach to make sure your child takes his medicine. Children with asthma can play sports and be athletic as long as they monitor their condition. Instead of restricting your child's play or exercise, try to protect him/her from the irritants that commonly trigger attacks.

Children and their parents need to understand how to use a peak flow meter and to understand the symptoms and signs of an asthma exacerbation. Regular follow-up visits (at least every 3 to 6 months) are important to maintain asthma control and to reassess medication requirements.

Childhood asthma properly managed can go on to have a successful life. New advances in the care of asthma, while not curing asthma, have allowed children to stay free of troublesome night and day symptoms and keep physically active.





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Contact the Author
Barry McDonald

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