Childhood asthma has been the most prevalent condition in recent years. This is the most chronic disease in children. Childhood asthma results in missed school and limits activity more than any other condition in the US. Adult asthma and childhood asthma have the same underlying cause, that is airways inflammation. This inflammation results in sensitive airways and leads to symptoms which range from minor cough to severe flare-ups which interfere with inhalation.
Luckily, childhood asthma can be treated. Though, this cannot be cured, the symptoms may be controlled with regular doctor visits, monitoring, a written plan and making changes in the treatment as required.
Symptoms of Childhood Asthma:
Childhood asthma may be very disruptive. It is bothersome because its symptoms interfere with sleep, school, sports and play. If asthma is left untreated, it causes severe life-threatening attacks.
Symptoms of childhood asthma include:
- Chest tightness or congestion
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or whistling sound while exhaling
- Coughing
Other symptoms include:
- Trouble breathing while playing or exercising
- Delayed recovery after a respiratory infection
- Bouts of wheezing or coughing which worsen with respiratory infections like flu or cold
- Trouble sleeping due to coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath
Causes of Childhood Asthma:
Children suffering from asthma have very sensitive immune system which makes the air passages inflamed and swollen, when exposed to allergens and smoke. In some cases, these symptoms develop without any apparent causes. When asthma occurs, muscles of airways constrict, thick mucus fills the airways and they swell resulting in asthma symptoms.
The causes of asthma vary from child to child. These causes include:
- Cold air or weather changes
- Exercise
- Tobacco smoke or other pollutants
- Allergens like mold, pollen, pet dander and dust mites
- Viral infections like common cold
Conditions related to asthma include:
- Heartburn
- Inflamed sinuses
- A stuffy or chronic runny nose
Risk Factors of Childhood Asthma:
It is not clear why only some children suffer from asthma and others do not, but it may be due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Children having a family history of asthma are more prone to this condition. Other factors which increase the chances of childhood asthma include:
- Obesity
- Low birth weight
- Family history of eczema, hives, allergic rhinitis or asthma
- Living in a huge urban place with increased exposure to air pollution
- Previous allergic reactions such as allergic rhinitis, skin reactions or food allergies
- Exposure to tobacco smoke
