Asthma in Kids

Essential Information about Asthma in Kids

A common childhood ailment, asthma is fundamentally a respiratory condition leading to swelling of the airways. Survey-based data from prominent health institutions indicates that approximately 6 million children across the United States grapple with this affliction. Having a comprehensive understanding of the asthma triggers coupled with a long-term management plan is pivotal for those caring for a child with asthma. Here, we delve into everything one needs to be aware of regarding children's asthma, including symptoms, triggers, treatment options, and more.

Symptoms

•           Identifying the symptoms of childhood asthma can be challenging, as they can often mimic other respiratory conditions like those caused by a cold.

•           Asthma symptoms can impact a child's quality of life as they're chronic in nature.

•           Children suffering from asthma can experience: coughing that intensifies at night or during sickness, wheezing or a high-pitched noise while breathing, and shortness of breath during normal activities.

Asthma symptoms in Toddlers

•           Trouble sleeping at night

•           Difficulty in breathing during play

•           Unusual fatigue

•           Delayed recovery from respiratory infections

Symptoms in Older Children

•           Lack of energy throughout the day

•           Chest tightness or chest pain complaints

•           Persistent coughing mainly at night

The severity of these symptoms can differ from child to child. For those with severe asthma, a deterioration of these symptoms can result in an asthma attack.

Signs of an Asthma Attack

•           Severe shortness of breath

•           Bluish tint on the lips

•           Low blood pressure (hypotension)

•           High or low heart rate

•           Agitation or confusion

Severe asthma attacks demand immediate medical attention as they can be life-threatening for both children and adults.

Causes

The onset of childhood asthma can result from various factors:

• Genetics: A history of asthma or allergies in the family can heighten the risk of developing asthma.

• Allergies: Allergy symptoms can often mimic asthma symptoms in children.

• Infections: Regular respiratory infections particularly in children below the age of 5, can induce symptoms of asthma in children.

Triggers

Asthma symptoms can be triggered by:

• Respiratory infections

• Physical exertions

• Smoke and air pollution

• Allergies

Prevention

Lifestyle adjustments to help your child avoid triggers can include:

• Teaching personal hygiene to lower their risk of contracting cold or flu.

• Managing exercise-induced asthma with treatment.

• Reducing the risk of allergy-related asthma symptoms by maintaining a clean house.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing asthma in children can be difficult, but these tools can help:

• Comprehensive review of the child’s medical history.

• Blood and allergy tests to check for inflammatory markers.

• Chest x-ray to verify if symptoms are asthma-related.

Treatment

There's no cure for asthma, but treatments focus on reducing or eliminating the symptoms and preventing ongoing airway inflammation. Treatments include:

• Bronchodilators which help relax the airways and increase airflow.

• Anti-inflammatories which reduce the inflammation and swelling of the airways.

Home treatments can help reduce asthma flare-ups:

• Using a humidifier to maintain appropriate levels of humidity.

• Practicing breathing exercises.

• Using essential oils to reduce airway inflammation (Research is still ongoing).

Preparation

Parents and children can prepare for an asthma attack by creating an action plan with the following information:

• Medications your child takes

• How often your child takes their medication

• Identifying worsening of your child’s asthma symptoms

• Knowing when it's time to seek medical help

Understanding and maintaining your child's asthma is critical. If you think your child's asthma is not well managed, consider using the Childhood Asthma Control Test for children aged 4 to 11 and the Asthma Control Test for children aged 12 and older.

When to see a doctor

If your child seems to display symptoms of childhood asthma, seeking medical attention promptly is prudent. Post-diagnosis, an effective treatment protocol can be initiated to alleviate asthma symptoms, and improve your child’s quality of life.

In conclusion

Childhood asthma is a widespread lung condition. Recognizing the symptoms, obtaining a proper diagnosis, and identifying the appropriate treatment options are pivotal steps towards managing this condition effectively. If your child exhibits symptoms of asthma, don't hesitate to consult their pediatrician to explore the situation further.