Childhood asthma is a very common childhood illness that can go a long time without proper diagnosis and treatment. Detecting asthma in infants and children under five can be difficult because the condition resembles various respiratory diseases.
Asthma is a result of inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for transporting air in and out of the lungs. When these tubes get inflamed during an attack, they obstruct air, making breathing more difficult. Asthma attacks can be particularly severe in children due to the small size of the bronchial tubes. Children suffering from asthma can have trouble maintaining daily activities like school, sports, and play. Knowing the symptoms to watch out for and the right asthma treatment is essential if you suspect that a child might have the condition.
Symptoms of Childhood Asthma
Asthma in children and adults is technically the same, except that young ones are affected by different factors with varying consequences. Frequent coughing can be a sign of asthma in a child, especially when it happens during rigorous activity. Cold air or a viral infection can trigger the coughing, making it worse than a typical cold. Coughing fits during sleep are other signs, while wheezing and noisy breathing can manifest itself in some children. Detecting wheezing sounds can be difficult, and only a stethoscope can tell for sure if a child has this symptom. A child with asthma can experience labored breathing even when doing routine tasks. You might notice the little one having to take shallow breaths, often during exercise. Infants can sometimes have problems with feeding due to difficulty managing their breathing. Some of these symptoms, like coughing and shortness of breath, can lead to lack of sleep.
Challenges of Asthma in Children
Not every child with asthma will present symptoms, and some children can go years without suffering an attack. It’s why an accurate diagnosis can take a long time. A child might not be able to articulate the signs leading to a lack of diagnosis, particularly if the symptoms are not clearly visible. Another reason is that some of the symptoms, like wheezing and coughing, don’t always mean a child has asthma. Bronchiolitis, croup, and pneumonia are examples of illnesses that present similar symptoms.
If you suspect asthma in a child, pay attention to see if some of these signs show up. Check up on the young one at night and early morning, to see how he/she reacts to changes in the weather. Look at how a child behaves during and after exercises or other tasks that take a bit of effort. Parents and guardians should be aware of common asthma triggers in children, with allergens being the main culprits. A child who is allergic to pollen, cat or dog dander, dust mites, and other environmental pollutions can suffer an attack at the slightest exposure.
Getting the Right Treatment
Asthma doesn’t have a cure, but the condition is manageable with medication and an appropriate lifestyle. Consult a doctor if your child manifests unending coughing fits, shortness of breath, and noisy breathing. Although it might be something else, a doctor should provide an accurate diagnosis after reviewing the signs. If your baby has specific triggers, like cold air or dust, the doctor should know about it. Unlike with older children and adults, a doctor can’t administer lung function tests on a baby. Therefore, providing all the relevant details about the illness is critical.
Blood tests and chest x-rays might be necessary for a physician to give a proper diagnosis. The doctor can prescribe medication as asthma treatment to help alleviate breathing issues. Inhalers are the most common mode of administration of asthma medication in children. Physicians also prescribe medication to decrease inflammation and relax the airways. Doctors will always recommend ways to keep a child away from triggers.
Without the right care, a child with asthma might have to spend their childhood years away from ordinary activities. Working with a qualified professional can give your child the active life they deserve without compromising their health.
*Collaborative post