Facts About Asthma in Children
Asthma is a recurring lung disease that can affect people of all ages, but is often diagnosed during childhood. There is no cure, but it can be effectively managed through the use of prescription medication and avoidance of substances that trigger asthma attacks, or episodes. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, more than 22 million people are diagnosed with asthma in the United States, and nearly 6 million of them are children.
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Description
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Various inhaled substances can trigger asthma attacks, causing bronchial airways to become inflamed and increasingly narrowed, which results in the prevention of normal airflow to the lungs. With additional inflammation, a build-up of mucus occurs and causes swelling of muscles around the airways. All of this results in further restriction of airflow to the lungs. To ease the muscles of the airway and return normal function to the lungs, a child may have to use an asthma inhaler for quick results.
Triggers
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According to the American Lung Association, more than 50 percent of current asthma cases in the United States can be attributed to allergies, and 30 percent are allergies associated with cats. Other irritant triggers include exposure to secondhand smoke and air pollution, cardiovascular exercise, weather, respiratory infections, and rarely, emotional stress.
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Signs and Symptoms
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Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing and changes in breathing. Children with recurring coughing, especially after running, crying or during the night, or who experience chest tightness, shortness of breath or frequent respiratory infections should be tested by a physician. These could be signs that a child may have asthma.
Diagnosis
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Asthma can be difficult to diagnose in children younger than 5 years of age. A physician will ask questions regarding family and personal history. Spirometry, a lung function test, may also be performed for diagnosis.
Treatment
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A doctor will first inquire about trigger sources so avoidance of such substances can occur. A thorough medical history and examination will be administered, followed by a discussion about a treatment plan. Asthma medication may be in an inhalant or pill form. Also, asthma medicine may be a quick-relief type or one for preventative, long-term measures. Quick-relief medicines immediately control the symptoms of the asthma attack, while long-term control medicines help a child have fewer and milder attacks.
Prognosis
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Asthma attacks are rarely fatal, but related deaths do occur. Many cases of fatal asthma appear to be related to the use of too little medication. If proper treatment plans were followed, the deaths might have been avoided.
Physical Activities
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Encourage physical activity within your child's abilities. Most children with asthma can participate in sports. Children with severe asthma might be better suited for other sports, like swimming and ones without long periods of running, because they are less likely to provoke asthma symptoms.
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