What Are the Causes of Childhood Asthma?

Asthma is the inflammation of the bronchial airways in the lungs. Common symptoms are wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. According to the American Lung Association, "Asthma is the leading serious chronic illness of children in the U.S." There are a number of things that cause asthma in children, including allergies, household chemicals and viruses.

Allergies

Of the nearly 7 million children under 18 who have asthma, 50 percent of the cases are caused by allergies. Nearly a third of these children suffer from cat allergies, which can spur asthma in children. Sometimes children develop an immunity to cats at an early age. But once the allergy develops, they are more likely to suffer from asthma.

Pollen from trees, grass and shrubs can cause allergies and asthma in children, as can mold. Many children take antihistamines or get shots to treat their allergies and asthma symptoms.

Food allergies can cause asthma in children. Cow's milk is one of the most common food allergies in children. Mothers often have to use brown rice substitutes or goat's milk in lieu of bovine milk. Wheat, yeast, soy and corn can also spur asthma problems in kids.

Household Cleaners & Perfumes

Children often develop asthma and shortness of breath if exposed to strong household cleaners. These cleaners contain formaldehyde, phenol and glycerin, strong chemicals that can trigger these problems. Many laundry detergents are fraught with perfumes and fragrances which can cause breathing problems and asthma. Other substances that can trigger asthma in children include carpet cleaners, nail polish and remover, dishwashing liquid, perfume and hairspray. Most consumer product companies sell fragrance-free products which can alleviate this problem.

Second-hand Smoke

Children of smokers are twice as likely to have asthma than those whose parents do not smoke. Smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals. These include ammonia, arsenic, cyanide and even carbon monoxide. Some of the chemicals in cigarettes are also known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). Mothers who smoke during gestation can have babies with constricted airways. This can make them more prone to asthma and other respiratory problems.

Outdoor Pollution & Smog

Outside airborne particulates such as sulphur and nitrogen dioxide can cause asthma in children. Pollution and smog can be a problem in heavy industrial areas. Children are more prone to asthma attacks during the spring and summer months when they are playing outdoors.

Cold Weather & Viral Infections

Some children develop asthma symptoms when exposed to cold air during the winter. Cold weather also makes children more prone to colds and sinus infections, which can also cause breathing problems and asthma. Having children wear scarves over their nose and mouth can help prevent asthma caused by frigid air. Also, the flu season increases the number of asthma problems in children.

Treatments

Doctors often prescribe bronchodilators such as Pro Air to relieve asthma symptoms in children. Advair is often used to prevent episodes of asthma.

Always look for signs of irritability and fussiness in younger children and babies. At times, these are often signs that they are having trouble breathing.

References

• The American Lung Association: Childhood Asthma

Resources

• Children's Hospital of Wisconsin: Cold Weather Can Trigger Asthma