According to the American Lung Association (April 2008), asthma is the leading serious chronic illness among children in the U.S. It is the third leading reason for hospitalization among children under the age of 15. Asthma is also the most common basis of school absenteeism. While it may not be possible to cure asthma, you can definitely control it through proper medication and preventive techniques. For this you need to have a clear understanding of asthma, its causes, symptoms and treatments in children.
Causes Of Childhood Asthma
Asthma causes inflammation of the airways. This results in increased mucus production and muscle contraction. These changes produce obstruction in the airway leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing and tightness in chest. The frequency and severity of asthma varies from child to child. There are many causative agents such as allergy, viral respiratory infections and airborne irritants which can cause inflammation of the airways. According to the American Lung Association, allergies account for more than 50 percent of asthma cases in the U.S. with thirty percent of them associated with cat allergies. Smoking is a potential risk factor which can develop asthma in children. Smoking during pregnancy can make even healthy babies prone to developing asthma due to their slow lung growth. Asthma can also worsen due to various air pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide which are capable of triggering attacks in children.
Some of the common asthma triggers are as follows:
1. Exercise – Physical activity such as running is one of the main causes of asthma attacks in children. The condition can be aggravated by allergens, cold weather and illnesses. Although swimming may be the least asthma provoking exercise, the increased chlorine content in pools can induce attacks.
2. Infections – Viral respiratory infections like flu, ear infections, bronchitis and chronic sinusitis in childhood are important triggers for producing asthma attacks in children.
3. Allergens – Many children suffer from allergic asthma. Ordinary materials such as pollen, mold, food and animals can trigger episodes of asthma in children. Allergens causing asthma attacks also include dust mites, feathers and insects. The allergic reaction causes specialized cells to release a chemical known as histamine. This leads to swelling of the airway lining, excess mucus production and airway constriction thus leading to an asthma episode.
4. Irritants – These include cigarette smoke, air pollutants, aerosol sprays, strong odors and chemicals which cause irritation of the airways and lungs. Passive smoking can be very harmful to children and can worsen your child's asthma. As children have smaller airways which can be blocked easily by outdoor pollutants they are at a greater risk of developing asthma than adults.
5. Weather Conditions – Climatic conditions play an important role in triggering asthma attacks. Cold air is known to trigger attacks in many children. Weather conditions such as wind and rainfall also affect the concentration and scattering of outdoor irritants such as pollen and mold.
6. Emotions As Triggers – Yes, emotional variations too can act as triggers for asthma. Emotional feelings such as anxiety, stress and anger can also trigger attacks in children. Anxiety and panic in asthmatic children can lead to rapid breathing or hyperventilation which can ultimately trigger an attack.
Symptoms Of Asthma
Does your child experience constant or intermittent coughing, wheezing sounds during exhalation or rapid breathing? Then you should immediately consult your doctor as your child may have developed asthma. You should also have your child examined if she experiences frequent respiratory infections or coughs after crying and running. Other prominent symptoms of asthma in children include chest tightness, rapid breathing or shortness of breath. Infants with feeding trouble or those who grunt during sucking may also have asthma.