Childhood asthma, also referred to as paediatric asthma, is the most common serious chronic disease in infants and children. This is a serious condition and can have a heavy toll on children, parents and other family members and friends. Childhood asthma is a leading cause of emergency department visits, hospitalizations and missed school days. Although there is no cure for asthma, its symptoms can be successfully controlled. Children can die from asthma, but 80% of these deaths can be prevented.
What is asthma?
Asthma is an inflammatory process that occurs in the lungs – that causes the bronchioles to narrow and constrict air supply to the rest of the body.
Mucus is produced in the lungs triggering the airway to constrict – further inducing cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. Breathing becomes difficult and, in some instances, can cause an emergency.
The bronchi of children with asthma are more sensitive than those of children without the condition, and certain substances or triggers can irritate them.
Causes of asthma in children
Although there is no single known cause of asthma, there are several factors that may contribute to a child having asthma.
These include a genetic predisposition (having something in their genes that makes it more likely that they will develop asthma), diet, and the environment.
Who develops asthma?
Asthma is usually considered a childhood condition, but asthma can occur in adults. Children can develop asthma from an early age. It tends to be more common among boys than girls.
During the teenage years, the symptoms of asthma will disappear in approximately three-quarters of all children with the condition. However, asthma can return in adulthood. If the childhood symptoms of asthma are moderate to severe, it is more likely that the condition will return later in life.
Common triggers for asthma
The following are some common triggers for an asthma attack:
• Tobacco and cigarette smoke
• Dust mites
• Outdoor pollution
• Cockroach allergen
• Pets
• Mold
• Smoke from burning wood or gas
• Infection linked to cold, flu, sinus infection, acid reflux
• Exercise
• Strong emotions
Symptoms of asthma in children
The common symptoms of asthma include:
• feeling breathless,
• wheezing (there may be a whistling sound when your child breathes),
• coughing (particularly at night), and
• tight chest.
The severity and duration of the symptoms of asthma tend to be highly variable and unpredictable, and they are often worse during the night, or with exercise. You should be aware of any signs of worsening symptoms in your child. Parents, guardians and teachers should know the symptoms of asthma – and know when symptoms are getting worse and need urgent medical attention. If you notice that your child’s symptoms are getting worse, do not ignore them. Seek professional help.
Parents should recognize that many children with asthma only present with a persistent cough. This must not be ignored.
Diagnosis
Asthma can be difficult to diagnose in young children because there are many other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Most children develop the symptoms of asthma when they are of school age, along with other allergic conditions (atopic conditions) such as hay fever. The reasons for this are unknown.
If you suspect that you child has asthma, take him/her to the doctor for a complete clinical history and physical examination.
Your doctor might arrange for a number of tests, and investigations, to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment involves both relieving symptoms and preventing them from recurring. Prevention can be achieved through the use of medicines, but exercise and diet also play an important role. There is no cure for asthma. Uncontrolled asthma in children can result in permanent lung damage but, for most children, asthma can be controlled with appropriate treatment and management. Children should know how to use their inhalers, and should be allowed to use their inhalers at school. Children should have their inhalers at all times.
Can a child die from asthma?
Yes. Children can die from this condition. Many of the deaths occur outside hospital. Very often parents do not recognize the symptoms and fail to seek emergency care. An acute asthma attack is a medical emergency. A few minutes can make the difference between life and death. Many asthma patients who die are either not seeking care, or are not being hospitalized with their worsening asthma. Fatal asthma can occur in anyone with mild intermittent to more severe asthma.
Conclusion
In childhood asthma, the lungs and airways become easily inflamed when exposed to certain triggers, such as inhaling pollen, or catching a cold or other respiratory infection. Childhood asthma can cause bothersome daily symptoms that interfere with play, sports, school and sleep. In some children, unmanaged asthma can cause dangerous asthma attacks. With proper management childhood asthma can be successfully controlled.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-six years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5928).
