Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, affecting more than 4 million children each year. In children with asthma, the airways inside the lungs become inflamed, causing the production of extra mucus within the lungs. The inflammation and excess mucus obstruct the airways, causing chest tightness, coughing and wheezing. If the obstruction is severe, the child may experience shortness of breath and low blood oxygen.

Symptoms of asthma

• Coughing, especially at night or after running or crying
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Frequent respiratory infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis

Causes of asthma

Children with asthma tend to be genetically predisposed to have the disease. In addition, more than 75% of children with asthma have significant allergies.

Most asthma “attacks” – periods in which breathing becomes painful and difficult due to severe airway inflammation – are triggered by one of the following:

• Exercise
• Viral respiratory infections
• Allergies to a variety of sources, including mold, pollen, dust and pets
• Irritants such as cigarette smoke, aerosol sprays, paint fumes and air pollution
• Weather, especially cold air
• Emotional responses, such as laughing, crying or yelling

Treatment

There is no cure for asthma, but the disease can often be controlled so that it doesn’t interfere with a child’s daily activities. Controlling asthma includes identifying and avoiding those things that appear to trigger a child’s asthma episodes. Several medications are also available to help reduce the frequency and severity of a child’s asthma episodes. It’s important to talk to your child’s doctor to determine the best medication for your child’s asthma.