ASTHMA IN CHILDREN

Asthma is the leading serious chronic illness in children and is the number one cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15. Asthma is often associated with allergies. It is characterized by sudden recurring episodes of labored breathing, chest constriction, and coughing. Your child may have asthma if he or she coughs and sounds wheezy when exhaling.

Asthma causes the lining of the airways to swell, the muscles around the airways to tighten, and mucus to form in the airways. About 5 percent of American children under age 15 have asthma. It often causes children to miss school and is twice as common in boys as in girls. Most children grow out of asthma by the time they reach adulthood.

Asthma attacks can occur quickly and vary in severity. They range from mild discomfort to life-threatening attacks where breathing may stop. They can last from a few minutes to hours, or even days. Allergic reactions to common substances may cause an attack. House dust mites, cockroaches, mold and animal dander are the main triggers of asthma. Exercise, respiratory infections, cold air, tobacco smoke and certain drugs can provoke an attack. Attacks can often be prevented by avoiding the causes.

Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Sometimes the only symptom of asthma is a steady cough. Early warning signs usually happen long before more serious symptoms occur. They include breathing changes and verbal complaints. Be aware of these signs.

More serious symptoms should prompt medical care. Call your healthcare provider if your child has any of the following symptoms:

severe trouble breathing such as rapid breathing, pulling in of the chest wall when inhaling, and grunting when exhaling
eyes or fingertips appear blue, the skin looks darkened, or the child is acting uneasy, drowsy, or confused
chest, throat, or neck pain
fever and constant coughing or wheezing that does not respond to prescribed medicines or
vomiting that will not allow the child to take oral medicine

Asthma is a treatable disease and most episodes and deaths can be prevented. Greater emphasis is now on managing the condition, much as diabetics manage their disease. Together your child and your provider can gain control of the symptoms.

Maintain close contact with the provider who manages your child's asthma. Ask about these aids to asthma management:

tracking breathing tests at home
home nebulizer treatments
keeping an asthma medication diary
allergy testing
how to "asthma proof" your home and
written standing orders for asthma attacks and upper respiratory infections

Risk factors for asthma are:

living in an urban area
exposure to second hand smoke
having one or both parents with asthma
low birth weight and
obesity

Home care may include:

regular exercise to strengthen the heart and lungs
using an air conditioner to reduce airborne irritants
reducing exposure to allergens in the home: minimize dust, reduce irritants in the bedroom (such as feathers, kapok, or foam rubber; use synthetic materials such as dacron)
maintaining optimal humidity ( 40 to 50 percent)
keeping indoor air clean (change filters often)
reducing pet dander
cleaning regularly and
limiting exposure during periods of high pollen

Give medicines according to their directions. Learn as much about asthma as you can. For more information, call your local chapter of the American Lung Association, or (800) 586-4872, or visit their website at www.lungusa.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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