World Asthma Day 2023: Asthma in children is becoming a growing concern and experts have shared a mini guide to symptoms, treatment, inhalers and tips for coping with asthma.
World Asthma Day 2023: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Children are particularly prone to asthma as their immune systems are still developing. In fact, almost 80% of children experience symptoms during the first 6 years of their lives. It affects your ability to participate in daily activities, leading to frequent hospitalizations and absences from school, resulting in a poor quality of life. If not treated, asthma in children can progress and get worse as they get older. Causes of asthma among children can range from a genetic predisposition to the condition to increased sensitivity to certain triggers, such as pollen, allergens, changes in the weather, air pollution, and others.
Asthma in children: symptoms
Asthma symptoms can vary from child to child, however some of the common symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Congestion and tightness in the chest
- Coughing or wheezing that gets worse when the child has a cold or the flu
- Delayed recovery or bronchitis after a respiratory infection
- Fatigue
Asthma, unfortunately, is a lifelong disease. Therefore, to ensure a proper diagnosis, parents need to recognize potential triggers and observe their child’s symptoms: the severity of the symptoms and the frequency with which they occur.
Some tests that can be used to help diagnose asthma include:
• A spirometry test that measures how much air a child can exhale and how quickly.
• An exhaled nitric oxide test that measures the amount of nitric oxide in an exhaled sample of the child’s breath.
• An allergy skin test during which the child’s skin is pricked with allergy-causing substances, such as animal dander, mold, or dust mites, and watched for signs of an allergic reaction.
Treatment
Dr Rajiv Uttam, Director and HOD, Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care and ER, Medanta at Gurugram shared exclusively with india.com that inhalation therapy is the most common treatment method used to control asthma in children. and is considered the cornerstone of asthma treatment. This therapy involves delivering medication directly into the child’s lungs through inhalation, which can provide quick and effective relief from asthma symptoms. The drugs used in inhalers are corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory and are used to reduce inflammation in the airways. Bronchodilators provide instant relief and are usually used in emergencies, such as an asthma attack.
There is also various types of inhalers that can be used to give medicine to children:
• Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs): MDIs deliver medication through a small, handheld device that releases a metered dose of medication when activated. This method is often used with
a spacer, which helps make sure the medicine reaches the lungs correctly. This is usually for older children and adolescents.
• Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs): DPIs deliver medication in a dry powder form, which is inhaled directly into the lungs. This method does not require a spacer and is often easier for older children to use. This is generally for toddlers and babies.
• Nebulizers: Nebulizers deliver medication as a mist through a machine that turns liquid medication into a fine mist that is inhaled through a mask. This method is often used for younger children or those who have difficulty using MDI or DPI. This is usually given to babies.
Tips for Managing Asthma in Children
In addition to medication, Dr. Uttam said there are several steps that can be taken to help control children’s asthma:
- Reduce exposure to known irritants
- Avoid tobacco use, especially while the child is a baby, as it can lead to the development of childhood asthma.
- Promote physical activity to keep the child strong and healthy and to help the lungs work more efficiently.
- Maintain periodic controls to adjust medication and treatment programs.
- Maintain control over heartburn and acid reflux
To effectively diagnose and manage a child’s asthma, it is essential to work closely with their doctor. With proper treatment and management, most children with asthma can lead healthy, active lives. To achieve this, parents must have a comprehensive understanding of the condition and its management. This knowledge will allow you to make informed decisions and help your child come to terms with the diagnosis while adhering to the prescribed treatment.
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