Learn about Childhood Asthma – Triggers and Treatment

Asthma is a disease that affects millions of people around the world. It can start at any age, and many children show symptoms of asthma from birth. Asthma occurs when the airways become inflamed and air cannot travel through them properly. When the airways in the lungs become extremely inflamed, it can make it hard for any air to pass through and the sufferers may feel as if they cannot breathe. This is called an asthma attack and can be fatal.

There is no cure for asthma, but it can be treated. Many people find that there are triggers that can cause them to have an asthma attack. By avoiding these triggers, they can reduce the number of asthma attacks they have and live a normal life.

Causes of Childhood Asthma

The cause of asthma is not yet known, but scientists believe it may result from an overly sensitive immune system. When something enters the airways that the body doesn’t like, it becomes inflamed to fight it. There are certain things or triggers that can make asthma worse or lead to asthma attacks. These things include:

• Inherited traits
• Airway infections early in life
• Cigarette smoke
• Pollution
• Allergies
• Physical activity
• Viral infections
• Weather changes
• Cold air

Symptoms of Childhood Asthma

Asthma often comes on slowly. Children may suffer from the disease from birth, but it can take months and even years before it is diagnosed. Some children only experience asthma when they are active. Some of the most common symptoms of asthma in children include:

• Frequent coughing
• Wheezing while exhaling
• Shortness of breath
• Congestion
• Tightness in chest
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Coughing during sleep

Diagnosis of Childhood Asthma

Asthma can be hard to diagnose, and the diagnosis is usually based on symptoms. Many other childhood conditions can have similar symptoms, so sometimes doctors have to rule out other health problems before they can be sure it is childhood asthma. Some of these conditions also commonly occur with asthma, which can complicate things even more

Treatment of Childhood Asthma

If asthma is cared for properly, children can live healthy lives and avoid asthma attacks and other complications. There is no cure for asthma, but the proper treatment can help eliminate the symptoms. Some of the most common treatments for asthma include:

• Steroid Inhalers –This medication can help make the lungs stronger and open the airways, so the child can breathe easier.
• Leukotriene Modifiers – This is a type of oral medication that can help control asthma symptoms for 24 hours.
• Combination Inhalers – These inhalers contain steroids and a long-acting beta-agonist that work together to help control asthma.
• Theophylline – This is an oral medication that helps relax the muscles around the airways and makes it easier for children to breathe.
• Allergy Medication – If asthma is caused by allergies, allergy medications can be used to prevent the symptoms.

Treatment is also often focused on preventing asthma and asthma attacks. Families of children with asthma are often asked to:

• Maintain low humidity in the home
• Use an indoor air purifier
• Reduce pet dander
• Reduce dust
• Clean house regularly to reduce allergens
• Reduce exposure to smoke

Prognosis of Childhood Asthma

If asthma is treated properly, children have a good prognosis. Many children are even able to outgrow childhood asthma and do not suffer from it as adults. Staying on top of the condition can prevent asthma attacks and reduce symptoms.

Resources:

• ACAAI