Asthma Symptoms in Kids
Pediatric asthma is a chronic medical condition that affects children's lungs and bronchial tubes. Asthma inflames the bronchial tubes, constricting airways and making it difficult to breathe. Children with asthma typically have sensitive bronchi and lungs, which become easily irritated by allergens or physical activities (for example, P.E. or playing outside). There is no cure for asthma, but it may be controlled through medication.
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Symptoms
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According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, asthma is a long-term disease that affects children and adults. Symptoms in children may include rattly breathing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Night-time coughing, and coughing after laughing, playing or crying are additional symptoms. Some symptoms may be triggered by pollen, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, pets, molds, tobacco smoke, cold air and exercising. If your child's breathing is raspy during and after outdoor activities, you should consult a physician to test for asthma. Asthma triggers may result in what is referred to as an "asthma attack". An asthma attack occurs when a trigger, for example smoke, enters into airways (lungs and bronchi). The airways begin to constrict, which makes it difficult to breathe. The attack usually results in wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest.
Treatment
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Pediatric asthma can be managed through medications prescribed by a healthcare provider. Medication may be dispersed through inhaler, tablet, injection or liquid form. Inhalers with an attached spacer or chamber, are usually used for small children. Sometimes the puffs from an inhaler are missed and a spacer is used to capture the medication and make sure it is dispersed from the inhaler into the mouth correctly. Anti-inflammatory medications help prevent asthma attacks from starting by maintaining a constant flow of medication to help maintain airway passages. These medications help maintain long-term control over symptoms. Quick-acting medications are used during asthma attacks. They reopen airways by dilating the bronchi during an attack. There are many kinds of medications that manage asthma, and as with any medication, there may be side effects that should be taken under consideration.
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Significance
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According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, asthma is one of the most common serious diseases in the United States and affects 9 million children. Through a treatment plan, pediatric asthma may be controlled allowing affected children to lead active lifestyles. A child's maintenance plan should be followed daily, and school and care providers should be aware of the plan. Sometimes asthma symptoms lessen as a child grows older, but symptoms may reoccur later in adulthood.
Considerations
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A study at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, may have found a link between asthma and a skin condition called. The study concluded that 50 to 70 percent of children with eczema later develop asthma. Scientists conducting the study theorize that some people may have an immune disorder, that creates hypersensitivity to allergens, resulting in both skin and breathing conditions.
Warning
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Asthma attacks can be severe and it may be necessary to seek medical attention. At a hospital or emergency facility, nebulizers and other medications will be used to reopen airways. A nebulizer takes liquid medication and changes it into a mist that is breathable. Asthma attacks may be especially severe in infants and toddlers due to the size of their airways. If a small child's airways become severely restricted, the situation may become life threatening. If you suspect your child is having a severe asthma attack, seek immediate medical assistance.
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References
Resources
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