In children, asthma is an allergic reaction to extrinsic triggers such as pollen, catching a cold, or other respiratory infections, in which the lungs and airways become easily inflamed when subjected to certain triggers.
Childhood asthma can cause daily symptoms that might interfere with daily activities like playing sports, school, and sleep. Sometimes, a child with unmanaged asthma might encounter dangerous asthma attacks.
Childhood asthma isn't different from adult asthma in terms of the allergic reaction mechanism, but children face different challenges. Unfortunately, asthma is not a curable disease, and symptoms can continue throughout a person's lifetime. But if they receive the right treatment, symptoms can be kept under control and prevent further harm to growing lungs.
Commonly observed childhood asthma signs and symptoms include:
Asthma signs and symptoms may be different in different children, and they tend to get worse or better over time. Sometimes the only pointer that can be seen in a child, could be a lingering cough or chest congestion
Even though the causes of childhood asthma have not yet been fully understood, some factors thought to be responsible include:
Childhood asthma often goes undiagnosed in infants but with age, they start showing symptoms that can help to diagnose the condition in older children. Doctors determine whether a child is asthmatic using factors such as the child's medical history, symptoms, physical examination, and results of certain tests.
To help identify particular asthma triggers, other tests, including allergy skin testing and blood tests, may be required.
Healthcare providers develop a care plan called an "Asthma Action Plan,” which is customized according to the child’s family history and severity of asthma, which describes:
Following the “Asthma Action Plan” religiously is important for the successful control of asthma. Usually, asthma medications are safe for adults and, older children as well as toddlers and younger children. But inhaled medications have to be different, and based on the child's age and ability, a different delivery device may be required.
If your infant or child has asthma symptoms requiring treatment with a rescue inhaler (a bronchodilator, such as albuterol or levalbuterol) more than twice a week, they may be prescribed a daily controller therapy (such as an anti-inflammatory medication).
Along with medications, careful prevention of asthma triggers is the best way to deal with childhood asthma.
The following precautions should be taken:
Childhood asthma is the same as adult asthma, but children often have different symptoms. This is also referred to as "paediatric asthma" by doctors.
When your child has asthma, their lungs and airways can easily become inflamed when they catch a cold or are exposed to pollen. The symptoms may make it difficult for your child to perform daily activities or sleep. An asthma attack can sometimes necessitate a trip to the hospital.
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