Asthma is the most common disease affecting children. It is a chronic condition of the airways. This condition is inflammation of the airways that leads to tightening of the airway muscles, thickening of the airway walls, thereby narrowing the airways and causing shortness of breath. Common symptoms of asthma in children include repeated coughing, especially at night, and episodic wheezing (a type of sound heard as air passes through the airways – sometimes we can hear it in our ears). About asthma in children Dr. Suresh Kumar Panuganti, Lead Consultant-Pediatric Critical Care and Paediatrics, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad speaks.Also Watch:

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These symptoms worsen when exposed to any aero-allergens such as smoke, dust, pollen, cement, any strong odor or viral infections. Sometimes no identifiable risk factor can be detected or established.

Asthma is not entirely a genetic problem, although children born to parents with asthma are more likely to develop asthma. Another reality is that the causes of disease include genetic, environmental and emotional factors.

Even in children with mild asthma, asthma attacks or exacerbations (flare-ups) can be life-threatening. When asthma is uncontrolled, as well as in some high-risk patients, these tend to become more frequent and severe. All patients should have an asthma action plan, as complications can occur even when using asthma medications.

How to care for children with asthma

Receiving an asthma diagnosis is the first successful step in managing a child with asthma. Even today, most parents have some doubts about diagnosis and management methods, including inhalers. Asthma is a lifelong disease that can be controlled but treated and cured. However, some children who are known to have virally induced wheezes or wheezes at a young age survive as they grow. Depending on the severity of the asthma, children may need long-term medications and relievers.

Each child (and adult) and parent should be trained in the skills necessary for systematic management of asthma:

  • Knowledge about asthma is important
  • Learn to use an inhaler. Keep the necessary materials for this.
  • You need the right drug and the right technique
  • A written asthma plan should be individualized for every child, and know how to manage it when it flares up
  • Symptoms and response should be monitored at home
  • Keeping the house clean by avoiding things like pets, pests, strong odors, and cigarette smoke can make a child’s symptoms worse.

Regular medical check-up – Monthly hospital visits are mandatory even after diagnosis and treatment initiation. Then every 3 months; As soon as the disease worsens, visit at least 2-4 times a week.

If you are allergic to any food, try to avoid it. Treatment of modifiable risk factors such as age-appropriate physical activity, keeping the child stress-free, and non-pharmacological interventions such as breathing exercises and yoga also help control asthma.

Medicines:

There are mainly two types of asthma medications – controllers and relievers

1. Controller drugs (Corticosteroids) Reduce inflammation and phlegm in the airways. These should be given daily if the child is diagnosed with persistent asthma or has frequent symptoms. A single puff of preventer inhaler contains a very small amount of steroid and is free of side effects. The small doses of inhaled steroids used in most children with asthma do not cause significant side effects. Using a spacer device with the inhaler reduces even the slightest risk of any side effects. Make sure the child always washes their mouth after using the preventer inhaler.

2. Reliever medications Bronchospasm or narrowing of the airways is reduced by relaxing the muscles of the airways, thereby providing immediate relief from the child’s symptoms. Try to give the medicine as soon as the child has acute symptoms or if the child has come in contact with any substance that causes the illness.

How to control or reduce asthma triggers

Smoke from smoking – Do not allow anyone to smoke indoors. Or keep people away from an asthmatic child after smoking. Because even after smoking, the residue of the smoke can be seen on the clothes.

Animal fur and pets – Be careful about keeping furry animals outside the home. If that is not possible, try to keep it out of the children’s room.

Dust and Insects – Houses should be swept frequently and vacuumed with vacuum cleaners to help reduce indoor dust. Use damp cloths to remove dust. Try to keep the child out of the way when dusting the house.

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Cockroaches: They are a very strong allergen as the cockroach cocoon remains allergenic even after it dies. So keep all food out of the bedroom. Keep garbage and food in closed containers only.

Mold: Fix all leaky areas and clean air conditioners regularly.

Getting a flu shot can indirectly reduce asthma triggers by preventing colds and coughs.

To recognize asthma symptoms:

If the child has any of the following symptoms, the necessary medication should be used and emergency medical care should be sought:

  • Shortness of breath or rapid breathing or very labored or slow breathing
  • Cannot speak in complete sentences
  • Bluish color of the lips or tongue – this is an ominous sign of difficulty breathing
  • Audible wheezing or sudden excessive coughing

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