Symptoms of Asthma in Children
Asthma is a comparatively common chronic condition that, if diagnosed and treated early, is easy to control in most children, but it must be spotted early and carefully managed with medication and monitored by doctors. Otherwise it can prove fatal. Every day people die from asthma attacks.
The disease changes our airways, making people more sensitive to triggers like dust, cold air, pollen or smoke etc.
The causes of asthma are not yet known, though some theories suggest that the condition runs in families.
Symptoms
When an asthma sufferer encounters a trigger (e.g. intense exercise, inhaling colder or warmer air than normal or someone smoking a cigarette nearby) their airways react by becoming narrower. The lining of the airways becomes inflamed and swollen, and can produce an excessive amount of mucus. In some cases the airways close completely.
This can leave them gasping or wheezing for breathe, constantly coughing, experiencing a difficulty talking or taking very rapid shallow breathes. Children may also experience tightness in their chest or struggle to breathe at all.
It’s tough to recognize and diagnose asthma in children because of a range of other illnesses which can cause similar symptoms.
Some children with asthma have other conditions such as hay fever and eczema.
What to do
If you’re worried about your child having asthma, make an appointment with your family doctor. They’ll be able to run tests and take information about a child’s symptoms which will indicate whether or not your child has the disease.
If asthma is diagnosed, check that you child uses their preventer inhaler regularly and reliever inhaler as needed. Try to explain to your child why this is necessary; if they understand why they have to use the inhalers, they’re more likely to do so without having to be prompted.
Asthmatic children should always know where their inhalers are and have access to them when required. You should also inform your child’s school about their asthma so that extra precautions can be put in place.
Author Bio: James Armstrong is an experienced journalist, currently writing about asthma for Dr Thom the online doctor.
My nieces both have some health issues including eczema and rsv, but when they are having problems I never think of asthma. I will definitely be more aware of the symptoms of asthma. Thank you for sharing this very informative post!
I have COPD and two of my grandsons have Asthma. My oldest grandson’s asthma seems to be a little better but my youngest grandson is just starting out with it.
Luckily I have never had to personally deal with this, it can not only be scary for a child (and parent) but can be deadly if not resolved. Thanks for putting out the information!
Great post! I have asthma myself…it’s really important to have people informed.
I have asthma but wasn’t diagnosed with it until I was in my forties but my five year old grandson has it as well and it’s now been three years we’ve known this. It really is important to be aware of the symptoms, thank you for posting this.
I had asthma as a child, but I think it was because my parents were heavy smokers. By the time I got to college I outgrew it and never had it since!
My 2 1/2 year old has asthma (and eczema and allergies). Her main symptom is a chronic cough. Her inhaler has helped a lot but there are also MANY things you can do to help with asthma symptoms – run a humidifier, an air purifier, keep them away from cigarette smoke, limit exposure to pets (if the have allergies), make sure they get plenty of Omega3s which are a natural anti inflammatory, consider Vitamin D supplements, especially in the winter when we don’t get as much exposure to sun. And kids with asthma really should get the flu vaccination as well!