Asthma in Children

Asthma is a disorder of the air tubes (bronchi) that carry air in and out of our lungs. Asthma is a long term disease that primarily inflames and narrows the airways. The inflamed airways become sensitive to inhaled allergens and the muscles around them tighten. This causes less air to flow into the airways, making it difficult for a person to breathe. In severe cases of asthma, mucus or phlegm, a white sticky fluid, is produced in large amounts causing more problems in breathing.

At a younger age, boys are more likely to have asthma than girls. Children having asthma at very young ages, may get out of it as they get older, though it may return in adulthood or teens, depending on the severity of the case. If childhood symptoms are very strong, then the chances of asthma resurfacing in adult age increase. Unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol and drugs can aggravate asthma cases in adults.

Causes of Asthma

Mainly, the causes of asthma in childhood can be various factors, like:

Genetics - If a child has family history of asthma, it may make them susceptible to the disorder.

Environmental Factors - Indirect or direct exposure to allergens (mold, pollen, animals), irritants (passive smoking, cigarette smoke, air pollution), erratic changes in weather (especially winters) and infections (flu, fever) are few major environmental factors that trigger asthma.

Hygiene Hypothesis Theory - This theory states that early exposure to symbiotic bacteria and microorganisms modulate the immune system to be stronger. Hygiene hypothesis theory believes that overemphasis on cleanliness does prevent the kids from diseases. However, at the same time, it weakens their ability to fight diseases related to allergens and other asthma triggers. Prevalence of asthma in US and other developed nations is a testament to this fact.

Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma, in general, shows the following symptoms in varying degrees, from mild to severe:

Coughing - One of the easily evident symptoms of asthma is continuous coughing, especially at night and early in the morning.

Wheezing - Wheezing is a common symptom of worsening asthma. Children showing this symptom find difficulty in breathing characterized by a high pitch whistling sound while breathing.

Chest Tightness or Chest Congestion - Chest congestion is a result of high inflammation of air tubes and accumulation of large amount of mucus (called mucus congestion). Children may feel their chest squeezed leading to discomfort in breathing.

Diagnosis of Asthma

It is difficult to diagnose asthma in infants, but children can be diagnosed for asthma considering their medical history, symptoms, and physical exam. During physical examination, generally, the hearts and lungs are checked. X-ray tests of chest and pulmonary function test are also done, if required.

Treatment of Asthma

Asthma, as such, can't be cured completely, but relief for asthma is possible with proper diagnosis and care. There are various methods to treat asthma and each treatment is different for every individual. Care and understanding from parents and doctors is a must for effective treatment.

Inhalers or puffers are the best way to provide a correct dose of medicine to children. They contain a gas that is inhaled into the airways. Doctors can advice the children on proper usage of inhalers. Usually, they are of two types, relievers and preventers. Preventers are used as a precaution to cure symptoms and relievers help in the treatment of the symptoms. Inhalers are usually free of side effects (at normal doses) and are easier for children to use. A spacer is a long tube that clips on the inhaler, and is very helpful for children, who are unable to use the inhaler properly. Steroid tablets are also useful in asthma attacks and must be taken timely and as guided by the medical practitioner.

In the course of a sudden asthma attack, the child should be given the inhaler or reliever and be made to sit down (not lie down) immediately. After relaxing, the child for 5 to 10 minutes, the attacks normally go away but if they still persist, one should immediately call for a doctor.

Living with childhood asthma is never easy. It's equally challenging for both, the child and the parents. Awareness about the problem and knowledge of the dos and don'ts can be very effective in the long run treatment. Maintaining a journal or diary about the child's regular check ups, health status, allergies and number of attacks per month can help parents to trace some links and patterns, which can be very fruitful in working towards the cure. It is true that asthma can't be cured completely, but with love and care, one can boost the morale of the patient and keep the ailment under control.