In fact, research indicates that the median age of children diagnosed with asthma has decreased, which underlines the importance of being careful when they are young. Our aim is to comprehend what asthma entails, its symptoms, effects, and treatments, all from the perspective of a child.
Definition
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways in the lungs. This condition makes the tubes in the respiratory system highly susceptible to bouts of laborious breathing. An episode where a patient is suffering from difficulty in breathing can be attributed to asthma (although there are many other reasons for this) and if it is asthma, the condition is called an asthma attack.
Conventional triggers include allergens and colds. For instance, you may have witnessed certain individuals refraining from occupying the same space as domestic animals. This may transpire since they are asthmatic and exposure to feline fur can provoke an attack immediately.
In order to contain asthma attacks, a combination of pharmaceutical drugs are required. Patients are also inclined to use specific inhalers, which is a common sight when they encounter an asthmatic patient.
If we focus specifically on children, particularly those under the age of five, it can be an arduous task to diagnose and administer asthma. The first signs of potential asthma development will be excessive coughing, which can be attributed to other ailments such as the common cold.
Furthermore, tests conducted may not be suited to children while certain asthma medication is only meant for adults and not children. These are the reasons that the health of children must be monitored carefully and precautionary measures be taken at the slightest sign of illness.
Symptoms
We alluded to the fact that determining asthma in children can be difficult. Nevertheless, there are symptoms to deduce whether a child has developed asthma or not. As we mentioned above, these include perpetual coughing and a wheezing sound particularly when a child exhales. Chest congestion is another signal of the onset of asthma.
Furthermore, what makes it increasingly harder to gauge this illness in children is that these symptoms can emerge in trends. For instance, they may exhibit themselves at night. There might also be periods where the child has obdurate coughing followed by a lull.
Last but not least, asthma is subject to entities and events. A common cold may initiate asthma in children. Likewise, allergens such as dust particles, pollen, and pet fur (dogs and cats) may bring about an asthma attack in a child.
In particular, plenty of young children have intolerance when it comes to pollen and the hair of domestic animals, which can shed frequently and cause discomfort. The worst aspect is that this may transpire unbeknownst to the parents.
Treatment
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing this breathing disease in children, it is imperative for parents to get their children tested at the first instance of irritation. With regards to treatment, there are several options available. First and foremost, it must be understood that any symptom of asthma, regardless of severity, must be considered serious. This is owing to the fact that asthma can quickly develop into a life-altering disease. Lack of management on the part of adults can be tantamount to emergency situations children may be unable to communicate.
Naturally, the prescription dosage depends on the frequency. Doctors may prescribe one of two measures. One instance is when quick relief is required. A quick fix will involve medication for rigid coughs and shortness of breath. These can trigger an asthma attack and the conventional method of combating that is with an inhaler. Whenever the child suffers from excessive coughing, their parents must ensure that they take the inhaler. Moreover, long-term management includes medication that impacts the inflammation of the tubes. It may be required on a regular basis in severe cases.
The inhaler can be supplemented with an instrument called a holding chamber, which is designed to ensure that the medicine reaches the lungs. The patient would put the inhaler through their lips and press the device that will allow the medicine to flow as they strongly inhale. Alternatively, a nebulizer is also an adequate device for treating asthma. A nebulizer is a machine with a compressor tube and accompanying mask, which helps deliver the medication.
Asthma medicines are also convenient and effective. Parents must follow the guidance provided by doctors. Allergy shots called immunotherapy are also a viable option if needed. Finally, whether medications do the trick or not, children must avoid exposure to asthma triggers at all costs.
If parents suspect that their child is asthmatic, they must consult a pediatrician who specializes in childcare or contact a dedicated allergist. Either or both of these individuals can help devise a plan, which can serve as a damage limitation exercise. The importance of knowing how to react to an asthma attack in your child simply cannot be overstated. Therefore, in cases of emergency, parents can administer the appropriate medication. The Center for Disease Control suggests that children with asthma should get an influenza shot annually.
Unfortunately, asthma in children has augmented in recent years. Research shows that children who are exposed to pollutants in cities are more at risk than children who reside in rural areas. The urban lifestyle exposes the former to all sorts of allergens and pollutants. In hindsight, parents must be careful in the first few years since their children may be susceptible to asthma and various other diseases.