Asthma in Children: Symptoms, Types, Causes and Treatment

• Written by Riya Lohia

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Asthma in children shares many similarities with asthma in adults. It is a significant cause of increased ER visits, hospital stays, and missed school days. However, you must overcome specific challenges to maintain the respiratory rate in children.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma in children. Symptoms may persist into adulthood, but with careful management and consistent routine you and your child can effectively control them.. This blog post discusses the rising prevalence of asthma, respiratory issues, and allergies in children. Read to know more.

What is Asthma in Children?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the airways, making it difficult to breathe. In children, asthma attacks can be triggered by infections, allergens, exercise, or cold air. Asthma causes the airways to narrow and become inflamed, leading to symptoms such as:

• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic coughing

Asthma symptoms in children can vary. Some may experience occasional flare-ups, others may face difficulties with breathing.

What are Asthma Symptoms in Children?

It can be difficult to distinguish between asthma symptoms and those of common respiratory illnesses in children. However, asthma symptoms in children are typically long-lasting and can significantly impact their quality of life. Here are some typical asthma symptoms:

• Wheezing (squeaking/whistling noise while breathing)
• Coughing (becomes worse at night)
• Deteriorating respiratory rate in children (even during normal activities)

Additionally, here are some other asthma symptoms in children:

Toddlers May Experience:

• Difficulty breathing while playing
• Trouble sleeping at night
• Delayed recovery from respiratory disorders in children
• Excessive

Older Children May Experience:

• Persistent night cough
• Lack of energy
• Tightness in the chest/ other respiratory disorders in children
• Some children may experience only a few of these symptoms, while others may have severe symptoms that could lead to an asthma attack.

Triggers of Asthma in Children

Triggers can worsen asthma symptoms in children and lead to an asthma attack. Common triggers include:

• Physical exercise (in dry/cold/humid weather)
• Respiratory infections (flu/common cold)
• Allergies (caused due to dust mites, mould, food, animals, and other allergens)
• Air pollution or smoke (bonfire, tobacco, cigarettes, industrial pollution).

Causes of Asthma in Children

Several factors can contribute to the development of asthma in children:

1. Allergies: Allergies significantly increase the risk of developing respiratory disorders, and specific allergy symptoms can trigger asthma.

2. Genetics: A family history of allergies or asthma increases a child's likelihood of developing asthma or other respiratory illnesses.

3. Infections: Frequent airway infections, particularly in children under age 5, are a major cause of respiratory distress.

Diagnosis of Asthma in Children

Diagnosing asthma in children– especially those under five years of age–can be a complex process. It takes thorough evaluation of symptoms, medical and family history for doctors to conduct a diagnosis.

Here are the common diagnostic tests for asthma in children:

• Physical examination: Doctors check for signs, such as coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulties.
• Peak flow measurement: This test determines how quickly air is exhaled from the lungs.
• Lung function test: Conducted typically for children over five years of age, this test helps measure airflow and check how well the lungs work.
• Allergy tests: These tests identify potential triggers like dust, pollen, or pet dander.
• Chest X-ray: X-rays help rule out other conditions like infections.

Treatment of Asthma in Children

There is currently no cure for asthma. Treatments focus on reducing asthma symptoms and respiratory distress and preventing airway inflammation. Both at-home and clinical treatment are effective and helpful in managing the symptoms.

Clinical Treatments

Some children might need medication to manage their asthma symptoms even with lifestyle modifications. These asthma medications may include:

• Bronchodilators (help in enhancing ventilation and relaxing the airways)
• Anti-inflammatories (reducing the oedema and inflammation in the airways)

Although many of these drugs can be given in different ways, nebulisers and oral pills work best for treating younger children.

At-home Treatments

Several at-home measures can help reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and improve respiratory function in children:

• Humidifier: Dry air can worsen asthma. Use a humidifier in your child’s room to maintain a relative humidity of 30-50%.
• Breathing Exercises: Practice breathing techniques with your child when symptoms flare up to help prevent hyperventilation.

What are the Common Allergies in Children?

When a person has an allergy, their immune system reacts to an allergen–a substance that triggers allergic reactions. The immune system perceives it as a foreign body. While various substances can trigger asthma, the most common allergies in children occur due to moulds, pollens, dust mites, and pet dander.

Specific food allergies can also trigger strong immune system reactions in children. These allergies can significantly impact the immune system and contribute to respiratory disorders.

Once you know of your child’s asthma/food triggers, you can help avoid exposure and make lifestyle adjustments. Here’s how:

• Educate your child about proper hygiene. This helps them lower their risk of catching a cold, flu, or other illness.
• Administering medication to control asthma symptoms can help reduce limitations on playtime, sports, and other activities your child may enjoy if they have exercise-induced asthma.
• Be aware of potential food allergies. Keep your home and surroundings clean and dust-free to minimize allergy symptoms.

How to Keep Your Kids Healthy?

Helping your child stick to their asthma treatment plan and take their controller medications on time is crucial. Here are some additional tips to keep your kids healthy and minimize the risk of asthma complications:

• Get Vaccinated: Ensure your child receives all recommended vaccinations on schedule. Vaccines strengthen their immune system and help prevent infections that can trigger asthma attacks.
• Hygiene: Teach your child the importance of handwashing to prevent the spread of germs. Wearing a face mask is another helpful strategy for lowering exposure to respiratory disorders and allergies in children. Staying away from busy areas, especially indoors, can also be effective.
• Smoke-free Environment: Asthma triggers like tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke, etc., should be avoided at all costs by those who have the condition. It is essential to keep your home clear of smoke because it will only trigger asthma symptoms in children. Parents and other caregivers who smoke or use vape devices must avoid smoking or do so outdoors.
• Steer Clear of Allergic Triggers: Allergy triggers can make asthma worse. Hence, try to limit your child's exposure to them. Ensure the house and surroundings are cleaned to lower allergens and respiratory virus microorganisms.
• Medications: Make sure you have enough asthma medication. Ensure you get refills in advance when your child's inhalers are about to run out.

In Conclusion

An asthma attack can quickly turn into an asthma emergency. Especially when it comes to children, you might not want to take risks. However, if you take quick action, you can reduce the risk of asthma in children. If the asthma attack symptoms still appear after medications, follow up with your child’s doctor to restudy the asthma action plan.

It is highly recommended that you invest in a proper health insurance plan for your family. Care Health Insurance offers you numerous plans that can provide coverage for you and your children. Depending on your insurance needs and your budget, you can choose between an individual or a family floater plan.

>> Also Read: Does Your Health Insurance Provide Coverage for Asthma Treatment?

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. For more details about the health insurance plans and their benefits please refer to the sales prospectus, policy terms, and conditions.