Yes, childhood asthma is manageable and most children live completely normal, active lives! Asthma affects over 7 million children globally and typically begins before age 5. With proper medication and trigger avoidance, your child can play sports, sleep through the night (achhi neend), and attend school regularly without problems.
Watch: How to Know When Your Baby Is Sleepy 😴 | Baby Sleep Cues Every Parent Should Know
Asthma is a chronic lung condition where airways become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult.
What happens in asthma:
Risk factors (Kisko zyada risk hai):
| Risk Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Family history | If parents have asthma/allergies |
| Allergies | Eczema, food allergies, hay fever |
| Premature birth | Lungs may not be fully developed |
| Pollution exposure | Air pollution, smoking around child |
| Obesity | Overweight children have higher risk |
| C-section delivery | Some studies show slightly higher risk |
Good news: Many children's asthma improves significantly or disappears as they grow older!
Classic asthma symptoms:
Severity levels:
| Severity | Signs | Impact on Daily Life |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Occasional cough/wheeze | No sleep disturbance, can play normally |
| Moderate | Regular symptoms, night waking | Raat ko jagta hai, can't run around easily |
| Severe | Daily symptoms, very breathless | Can't sleep, can't eat/talk, very tired |
| Trigger | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| **Dust mites** | Wash bedding weekly in hot water, use mattress covers |
| **Pollution** | Stay indoors on bad AQI days, use air purifier |
| **Smoke** | No smoking at home, avoid agarbatti/dhoop near child |
| **Cold air** | Cover nose/mouth with muffler in winter |
| **Strong smells** | Avoid phenyl, room fresheners near child |
EMERGENCY - Go to hospital immediately if:
Schedule appointment if:
1. Relievers (Emergency/Rescue)
2. Controllers (Daily Prevention)
| Device | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MDI with Spacer + Mask | Children under 6 | Most effective method |
| MDI with Spacer | Children 6+ | Child breathes through mouthpiece |
| Nebulizer | Very young/sick children | Same medicine, different delivery |
| Dry Powder Inhaler | Older children | Requires good coordination |
Common spacers in India: Zerostat, Aerochamber, Babyhaler
You can't prevent asthma, but you can prevent attacks:
A: Night coughing (raat ko khansi) that regularly disturbs sleep is a classic sign of asthma. If it happens frequently and you notice wheezing or breathlessness too, consult a pediatrician for evaluation. Other causes include post-nasal drip or acid reflux, so proper diagnosis is important.
A: Bilkul nahi! This is a very common myth. Inhalers are NOT addictive. Asthma is a chronic condition that needs ongoing management. Stopping inhaler doesn't cure asthma - it just removes the treatment. Many children reduce or stop medicines as they grow, under doctor's guidance.
A: Actually, inhalers with spacer are BETTER than nebulizers for most situations! They're faster, portable, and deliver medicine more effectively. Nebulizers are useful for very young children or during severe attacks. Same medicine, just different delivery method.
A: Absolutely YES! Many Olympic athletes have asthma. With good control, your child should have NO limitations. Swimming is actually excellent for asthmatic children. Just ensure proper warm-up and carry reliever inhaler.
A: Yes! Inhaled steroids are very safe - the dose is tiny and goes directly to lungs. This is very different from oral steroids. Decades of research confirm they're safe for long-term use in children.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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