Childhood asthma: a complete action plan for parents
Childhood Asthma – What is it?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by chronic inflammation and reversible narrowing of the airways. Asthma can occur at any age, but it often begins in childhood. When asthma is not adequately controlled, it can cause serious problems: episodes of shortness of breath, frequent absences from school, or even irreversible damage to the lungs.
That is why it is important to have a clear and individualized asthma management plan for each child with the condition.
How common is asthma in children?
Childhood asthma is the most common chronic childhood condition. In the United States alone, it affects an estimated 7.5 million children — and that number is growing. Asthma is also a leading cause of:
- Absence from school
- Visits to emergency departments
- Parental absence from work
Why are more and more children developing asthma?
Scientists believe that there are many reasons for this increase, including:
- Exposure to more allergens (dust, pollution, cigarette smoke).
- Less exposure to germs in childhood, which plays a negative role in the development and balanced functioning of the immune system.
What are the main risk factors for childhood asthma?
Some factors make it more likely for a child to develop asthma:
- Allergies
- Family history of asthma or allergies
- Low birth weight
- Some viral respiratory infections in early life
- Exposure to cigarette smoke, prenatally or postnatally
- Living in areas with high air pollution
Symptoms of childhood asthma
Each child may experience different symptoms — and these may change from episode to episode.
Common symptoms:
- Frequent or persistent coughing, especially when playing, laughing, at night, or upon waking in the morning.
- Difficult breathing or rapid breathing.
- Decreased endurance for play or physical activity.
- Chest tightness or complaints of “chest pain.”
- Wheezing (whistling or “crackling”) when breathing.
- Retraction (a hollow in the throat, between the ribs, or in the lower chest).
- Irritability, weakness, or fatigue.
How is the diagnosis made? of asthma in children?
Asthma is often difficult to diagnose, especially in children under 6 years of age. This is because:
- The symptoms are similar to other respiratory diseases.
- Some children often do not show symptoms.
- Pulmonary function tests cannot be performed on preschool children
The diagnosis is mainly based on:
- The child’s medical history
- The description of symptoms
- The clinical examination
- The family history (if there are allergies or asthma in parents/siblings)
What tests may the doctor order?
If possible (depending on the child’s age), the following may be done:
- Respiratory function tests function
With spirometry, for example, we measure how much air the subject can blow out and how fast. One of the most important pieces of information that spirometry gives us is whether the air in the lungs has an unobstructed flow during exhalation.
- Skin and blood allergy tests
They detect possible allergens that may trigger symptoms.
- Chest X-ray
To rule out other diseases with similar symptoms.
In young children who cannot cooperate with the tests, the doctor can give asthma treatment on a trial basis and observe the body’s reaction.
How is childhood asthma treated?
The correct treatment of asthma is based on two pillars:
- Regular monitoring and formulation of the appropriate individualized treatment plan for adequate asthma control.
- Early intervention in crises
The treatment plan that is formulated for each child individually includes:
- Dosage of medications that need to be administered daily at intervals
- Instructions for treating asthma symptoms
It is important to have a copy of the plan:
- Have it available for school staff
- Have it for any person who takes care of your child outside the home
What you can do as parents:
- Keep the air in your home clean
- Treat mold or moisture damage if there is any
- Ventilate frequently.
- Use good quality filters in ventilation or air conditioning.
Reduce exposure to smoke
- The cigarette smoke (before or after birth) is one of the main risk factors.
Promote healthy habits
- Breastfeeding, proper nutrition, normal body weight
What to do in case of an asthma attack
When your child shows signs of an attack, don’t panic — but act immediately according to your treatment plan.
Step by step:
- Give your rescue inhaler (reliever medicine) as prescribed by your doctor.
- Wait 15 minutes and see if it improves.
- If there is no improvement or symptoms return soon, follow your treatment plan for further treatment orcontact your pediatrician
When to call 911 or go to the hospital:
A life-threatening asthma attack occurs when your child:
- Cannot speak clearly or completely
- Has severe difficulty breathing even at rest
- Breathing very rapidly, even when calm
- The skin turns pale or the lips turn blue (cyanosis)
- Shows exhaustion or drowsiness
- Does not respond to reliever medications
In these cases, go to the emergency room immediately.
How will you know that your child’s asthma is well controlled?
Asthma is under control when your child:
- Can play and run without symptoms
- Does not wake up at night with a cough or shortness of breath
- Does not need a “rescue inhaler” often
- Does not need oral cortisone treatment often
- Does not miss school because of asthma
- No emergency room visits
- No side effects from medications
