Asthma in Children

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract considered the most common chronic disease among children. Although asthma is a chronic disease, in most cases the symptoms can be managed well through proper treatment, so the child will be able to lead a normal, active and full life. With proper treatment and familiarity with the symptoms and the treatment thereof, the disease can be managed and its effects on life reduced.

Consequently, it is difficult for air to pass through the respiratory tract, especially while exhaling, and the result is symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. You should know that these processes may also occur in asthma patients even when there are no clear signs. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of asthma vary from child to child and may appear quickly or develop over time. The main symptoms include

• Wheezing sounds while breathing (especially while exhaling) and a high whistling noise made as the air passes through a constricted respiratory tract.
• Repeat coughing, especially at night, after physical effort or upon exposure to cold air.
• Shortness of breath that is characterized by rapid breathing and contraction between the ribs while breathing. Children who can already speak and teenagers may describe this as a feeling of suffocation. 

Wheezing in babies

Babies experience certain diseases like bronchiolitis that may cause asthma-like symptoms, and therefore asthma is usually not diagnosed in babies. However, when the baby is undergoing repeat bouts of wheezing or continuous coughing, you should seek professional help from your pediatrician.

There are also certain triggers that can cause asthma attacks. Identifying your child's personal asthma triggers is an important part of managing the disease and can help prevent attacks and complications.

Common triggers

• Allergens, such as dust, flower pollen, animal fur, mold, and insect excrement
• Viral infections of the respiratory tract (cold, influenza)
• Cold and dry air
• Effort during physical activity
• Air pollution and exposure to chemicals
• Cigarette smoke and secondhand smoking
• Situations of distress and anxiety
• Weather changes
• Prolonged bouts of laughter or crying

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of asthma in children, especially in babies and toddlers, is based on several factors:

• The appearance of symptoms, their frequency, and their duration.
• A family history of asthma and allergies.
• An environmental history, such as exposure to smoke.
• Physical checkup, including pulmonary auscultation.

Further tests that may assist in the diagnosis of asthma:

• Spirometry, a test that can usually be administered in children as young as 5 or 6 years old, measures how much air the child can exhale and at what speed.
• Pulmonary function test before and after the administration of bronchi-expanding medications.
• Chest scan (to rule out other diseases).
• Allergy tests (allergy skin tests or blood tests).
• Tests designed to measure the levels of nitric oxide in exhaled air (indicative of an inflammation of the respiratory tract).

Tips for living with asthma

Proper management of asthma allows most children to lead an active, normal, and healthy lifestyle. There are certain recommendations that can assist your child to cope with the disease:

• Physical activity: It is very important for children to engage in regular physical activity that will be beneficial for the health of their lungs, especially swimming. If such physical activity triggers symptoms, your child should take their bronchio-expanding inhaler about 15 minutes before the activity.
• In the education setting, the teaching staff in the preschool or school should be aware of your child's condition, as well as of activities that can trigger their symptoms. You should prepare a written plan on how to cope with an asthma attack and make sure that the relief inhaler is always within reach.
• At home: It is important that you avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, maintain an allergen-free environment as much as possible, make sure to ventilate the house daily, and keep a suitable level of humidity (neither too high nor too low).
• Nutrition: Since overweight can worsen symptoms, it is important that your child maintain a normal body weight. 

Coping with a chronic disease

Children's coping with a disease like asthma may include different challenges, including emotional and psychological aspects. Parents of children with asthma should follow a few rules:

• Reinforce your child's self-confidence with all that pertains to their ability to cope with the disease.
• Avoid excessive restrictions that may compromise your child's sense of competence.
• Encourage your child to talk about their concerns (if there are any) that arise from their disease.
• Help your child explain their condition to their closest friends in a simple and non-threatening manner.
• Engage your child in the management of their disease in an age-appropriate manner.
• Make sure that they get regular checkups with their pediatrician.
• Make sure that your child received all of their recommended vaccinations, including the annual influenza vaccine. 

In conclusion, we would like to reiterate that while asthma is a common chronic disease among children, with early detection and proper treatment, most children will be able to live a full and active life. Understanding the disease, getting to know your child's personal triggers, and maintaining regular preventive care are important for managing the disease. You should remember that over time there may be changes in the severity of the asthma and your child's reaction to the treatment. Some children may experience significant improvement as they go through puberty, while others will go on to cope with the disease in their adult life. Continuous cooperation with the medical staff, open communication, and creating a supportive environment will assist your child in coping with the challenges that asthma presents them with.