Children Asthma

Asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness in children, affecting 10%-12% of children in the U.S. and it is increasing steadily. Although it can begin at any age, most children have their first symptoms by age 5.

Young children have narrower airways which makes it often hard to tell whether they have asthma. They also have a lot of colds. Children asthma attacks may be triggered by a 'cold'. Coughing and wheezing is common with colds and chest infections in young kids which may mean the child has not got childhood asthma.

Some young children that have asthma mightn't wheeze. A night cough may be the only allergic symptom of asthma.

About 50% of children with mild asthma will not suffer allergic reactions as they grow older. It is impossible to tell which children will. If they suffer from allergies, Children are more likely to go on having asthma. A child is more likely to be asthmatic if other people in the family also suffer asthma.

Asthma and exercise

Exercise and sport causes a child to breathe harder. This may be an asthma trigger. For some Child Asthma sufferers it is the only time they have an asthma attack.

If a child coughs or becomes breathless, wheezes with exercise, then a trip to the Doctor is strongly recommended.

Encourage children with any allergies to exercise and take part in outdoor activities and sport. This improves their general well being, health and fitness. This also helps strengthen their chest muscles.

If a Doctor has prescribed the use of reliever or preventer medication then ensure the child uses it as prescribed. Using before exercise will reduce allergic symptoms for most children who suffer asthma when exercising.

Children Asthma Management

Important parts of asthma management:

• Learn about your child's asthma.
• Teach your child asthma management.
• Get the correct preventive & reliever medicine, if the child has an asthma attack.
• Work out allergies triggers asthma in your child. Avoiding allergens as much as possible.
• Identifying asthma symptoms and with medical assistance, treat them early

Each child has a unique asthma management plan developed by medical professionals. There are many differences in medications used depending on the age of the child, how severe and often the child has asthma.

Use of relievers by a child more than about 3 to 4 times a week requires a visit to the doctor. Doctors know of other medications and therapies. A combination therapy may be needed.

Always discuss with your doctor any changes to child's asthma management plan.

What parents can do

• Reduce allergic triggers as much as possible. Reduce household dust. Clean surfaces of allergens. (see Dust Allergy)
• Avoid pets and animals which are a source of animal allergies. Keep pets outside if your child's asthma is triggered a pet allergy. Choose a pet that does not produce pet allergens.
• Cigarette smoke is a common allergy trigger in children asthma.
• Ensure your child has a healthy well balanced diet.
• Start the asthma management plan when allergy symptoms appear..

Asthma becoming more common

Asthma is now more common than 20 or more years ago. It is much more prevalent in developed countries than in third world countries. Researchers are unsure why asthma sufferer numbers are growing. Kids who have some play in the dirt when young, or who suffer infections whilst young, seem less likely to become asthmatics and suffer from allergic reactions.