A Guide to Parents of Children with Asthma
One of the most common chronic illnesses affecting children and infants is the inflammatory disease of the airways called asthma. An asthma attack is often associated with frequent episodes of wheezing (coarse, whistling sound during breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough. Asthma can be mild to severe, intermittent to chronic. However, regardless if the symptoms appear to be mild, asthma must never be taken for granted. Immediate medical attention ought to be sought as asthma can end up in severe respiratory distress even though in seldom cases, death.
The development of asthma usually starts during infancy and is considered the most chronic disease affecting approximately 12.5 percent of children. Viral respiratory infections, allergies, family history of allergy, and atopy, or the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases are the common factors associated with asthma episodes. Asthma exacerbation is usually the consequence of respiratory viral infections, especially rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.
The development of asthma usually starts during infancy and is considered the most chronic disease affecting approximately 12.5 percent of children. Viral respiratory infections, allergies, family history of allergy, and atopy, or the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases are the common factors associated with asthma episodes. Asthma exacerbation is usually the consequence of respiratory viral infections, especially rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.
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During my research on the topic, I came across this video and found it informative, so I've decided to share. Thanks to ChildrenHospPhila on posting such useful resource on youtube. |
An asthma episode can be a frightening experience that sometimes leaves parents feeling helpless. The symptoms of an asthma attack often cause parents to fear that their children will never be able to lead normal life. A child diagnosed asthmatic can easily experience a good quality of life once the disease is managed properly. Educating yourself about the illness and ways to control it is the key to coping with it.
An asthmatic child has hyper-responsive airways. These airways muscles easily becomes inflamed when exposed to certain "trigger" like infections, extreme weather conditions, cigarette smoke, physical activity, dust mites, molds and pet dander. The bronchial tree then becomes tightened as a result of the inflammation, making it more difficult to breathe.
An asthmatic child has hyper-responsive airways. These airways muscles easily becomes inflamed when exposed to certain "trigger" like infections, extreme weather conditions, cigarette smoke, physical activity, dust mites, molds and pet dander. The bronchial tree then becomes tightened as a result of the inflammation, making it more difficult to breathe.
Diagnosing asthma in very young kids is a rather tricky task for most doctors because children often suffer from colds and chest infections accompanied with wheezes and cough but this is not necessarily asthma. The truth is, young kids are very prone at developing wheezes because they have very small, narrow airways and commonly suffer from six to eight colds per year on average.
There are a number of other conditions that may be responsible for the development of asthma like symptoms and as such many doctors are hesitant to give a diagnosis of asthma particularly to young infants. One symptom of a viral infection is wheezing. A child or toddler may display such symptom if afflicted with bronchiolitis which may also wheeze during breathing. In addition, since there is no available diagnostic test for children less than six years old, |
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coming up with a diagnosis for this age group is more problematic than in older children.
The best way to manage children with asthma is to administer medication exactly as ordered by the doctor and to avoid the triggers that spark asthma attacks. Medications usually consist of “preventive drugs" which are taken daily to make the airways less sensitive, as well as “reliever drugs” that make breathing less difficult when the child is having an episode. For the best result it is advised to visit a doctor that specializes in respiratory disorders such as asthma. Having said that, do not hesitate to ask questions if you have further concerns and if it helps to write down instructions, please do.
Asthma can begin at any age – although most cases start in childhood, with a few cases starting to appear in adulthood (adult-onset asthma). Some fortunate children “grow out” of asthma, while for others the condition may be life-long. Nevertheless, it’s very important as a parent to fully understand the condition and work closely with a specialist to help keep asthma attacks under control.
The best way to manage children with asthma is to administer medication exactly as ordered by the doctor and to avoid the triggers that spark asthma attacks. Medications usually consist of “preventive drugs" which are taken daily to make the airways less sensitive, as well as “reliever drugs” that make breathing less difficult when the child is having an episode. For the best result it is advised to visit a doctor that specializes in respiratory disorders such as asthma. Having said that, do not hesitate to ask questions if you have further concerns and if it helps to write down instructions, please do.
Asthma can begin at any age – although most cases start in childhood, with a few cases starting to appear in adulthood (adult-onset asthma). Some fortunate children “grow out” of asthma, while for others the condition may be life-long. Nevertheless, it’s very important as a parent to fully understand the condition and work closely with a specialist to help keep asthma attacks under control.