All About Childhood Asthma

Did you know that asthma affects over 7 million children globally?

What is the average age of onset of asthma in children?

The asthma rate is rising at an alarming rate for reasons that remain a mystery. While asthma can develop at any age, it usually begins in childhood, with most children showing symptoms by the time they are 5 years old.

Learn in detail all about childhood asthma in this article.

What Is Childhood Asthma?

Long-term (chronic) asthma affects your child's airways, making breathing difficult (triggers). When a youngster is exposed to triggers, several things happen to the airways:

• The lining of the airways expands.
• As a result, the muscles around the airways become more rigid.
• Thick mucus is secreted from the airways more frequently than is typical.

All of these factors contribute to the narrowing of the airways. As a result, your child will have asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

Facts to know about children's asthma

• Long-term (chronic) asthma is a lung illness that causes the airways to swell with mucus and the muscles around the airways to become tight.
• Coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest are all asthma signs.
• Asthma treatment relies heavily on avoiding the things that produce symptoms (triggers).
• Flare-ups are treated with medication to prevent and alleviate the symptoms.
• If asthma is not well-managed, it might lead to severe consequences.

Asthma Risk Groups for Children of Various Ages

If a child has one or more of the following conditions-

• Air pollution is an issue.
• Aside from having sinus issues and being overweight
• Asthma runs in the family
• Has a history of allergies
• The age range of 5 to 17 years
• Tobacco smoke is in the air.

Causes of Childhood Asthma

Many different factors can cause a youngster to develop asthma.

Asthma's actual cause is unknown. Theoretically, it may be inherited from one generation to the next. But it can also be caused by various other factors, including diseases, toxins, and the environment.

Some of the following causes of childhood asthma -

• Allergens cause inflammation and airway constriction, causing shortness of breath. There is wheezing and coughing because of inflammation in the air tubes.
• Common childhood bronchitis
• C-section babies are considered more likely to get asthma because they aren't exposed to the bacteria in their vaginas after birth, which boosts their immune system.
• Genes also play a role; for example, someone with asthma in their blood family is more likely to get it.
• Pollen and pollution
• Smoking during pregnancy raises asthma risk.

Signs And Symptoms Of A Child's Asthma

Each child's symptoms will be different. Asthma in children can be classified into three categories based on the severity of the symptoms-

• Mild - Coughing or wheezing, but the child is comfortable and well-nourished. The presence of symptoms does not disrupt a good night's sleep.
• Moderate - Symptoms include waking up in the middle of the night with coughing and wheezing and being unable to play or run around.
• Severe - The child cannot sleep, refuses to play, and is so exhausted that they are unable to communicate or receive food or water.

Symptoms can also worsen at certain times. If your child is experiencing any of the following-

• Any difficulty breathing or shortness of breath while your child is exercising
• Breathless snoring
• Continuous or intermittent sneezing
• Coughing fits at odd hours of the day or night
• Tightness in the chest
• Tiredness or fatigue
• wheezing or whistling when they are breathing

Asthma symptoms can resemble those of other ailments. Your child's doctor should be consulted to get a diagnosis.

How Is Childhood Asthma Diagnosed?

• Childhood asthma may be difficult to detect.
• Family history and symptoms such as wheezing, pale or blue complexion, and rapid breathing can be indications of asthma.
• Doctors may recommend the following tests to diagnose asthma:
  • Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to measure lung capacity and expiratory speed.
  • Spirometry to check lung function.
  • Methacholine challenge to determine if the patient has an allergic reaction to methacholine.
  • Peak flow monitoring to assess how well asthma is managed.
  • Chest X-rays to capture images of inside tissues, bones, and organs.
  • Allergy screenings to reveal if allergies exacerbate asthma.
  • Exhaled nitric oxide test to measure inflammation of the airways.
  • Histologic findings to indicate asthma, such as the presence of eosinophils in the lungs, mucus buildup, epithelial damage, and basement membrane thickening in severe cases.

Treatment for Asthma in Children

• Treatment for childhood asthma depends on the severity of symptoms, age, and overall health.
• Identifying and avoiding triggers and developing coping mechanisms are part of the treatment plan.
• Medications for childhood asthma include:
  • Bronchodilators to widen constricted airways.
  • Medicines that reduce inflammation to relieve inflammation in the airways.
  • Anti-leukotrienes to reduce airway constriction.
  • Immunotherapy for severe asthma attacks in children over the age of 12.
  • Long-term treatments such as inhaled corticosteroids for better control and management.

Asthma in children is better controlled and managed with long-term treatments such as inhaled corticosteroids.

• Inhaled medications - Medicines can be inhaled using the following devices
  • Pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pumps)
  • Solutions for nebulizers (delivered as a mist by a machine)
  • Dry Powder Inhalers 

Key Consideration of Inhaled Medications & Anti-Asthma Medications:

• Inhaled medications can be administered using various devices, including pressurized metered-dose inhalers, nebulizers, and dry powder inhalers.
• Both long-term control and fast relief medications may be required for severe childhood asthma, and allergy medicines may also be necessary.
• Asthma drugs that are safe for adults can be adapted for children with asthma.
• Referral to a pulmonologist or allergy specialist may be necessary.

How can I prevent asthma in my child?

There is no cure for asthma. To prevent asthma in your child, you can take the following measures:

• Avoid allergens like pollen, smoke, dust mites, dogs, fuzzy toys, and carpets to prevent allergic reactions that can make airlines more sensitive to pollutants.
• Prevent asthma attacks by avoiding irritants.
• Encourage a healthy level of physical activity while being cautious of activities that may trigger asthma.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure.
• Ensure your child takes their medication as instructed by their doctor.

Key Points To Be Considered

• Asthma management can be improved with an Asthma Action Plan.
• Learn and avoid triggers to prevent asthma attacks.
• Monitor signs and symptoms of asthma to detect worsening.
• Administer medication only as prescribed to prevent symptoms.

When Should I Contact The Pediatrician About My Child's Health?

• Consult with your child's doctor for the best course of action if asthma gets out of control.
• Asthma management is easier with access to more information.
• Uncontrolled asthma can lead to life-threatening episodes, severe airway effects, unnecessary hospitalization or emergency visits, and missed events.

Steps to be taken next When Visiting Doctor

• Make a list of questions and concerns before the appointment
• Have clear goals for the appointment
• Understand the consequences of not following prescribed treatments
• Bring a notebook to take notes and keep track of new information
• Understand the reasons behind new medications or treatments and potential side effects
• Ask about alternative treatment options
• Understand the reasons for tests or procedures and their potential results
• Write down future appointment dates and reasons
• Ask about after-hours contact in case of emergency.

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