Pediatric Asthma
Understanding Pediatric Asthma
Asthma is a disease that affects the respiratory system, causing the airways to swell and narrow. When this condition occurs in children, it is referred to as pediatric asthma. Asthma can cause ongoing daily symptoms in addition to severe attacks that require immediate attention and medication. When a child has pediatric asthma, it is important to work with a physician to develop an overall plan of treatment.
Symptoms of Pediatric Asthma
Pediatric asthma can cause a number of different breathing related symptoms, such as a tight sensation in the chest, shortness of breath that can occur even while the child is resting, coughing, and other breathing difficulties, including rapid breathing. Coughing during the night even when there aren’t other symptoms present can also be a sign of asthma. There are also more severe symptoms that can occur, most of which can indicate a medical emergency that needs immediate attention. These include severe breathing difficulties, extreme anxiety caused by not being able to breathe properly, sweating, rapid pulse, and a bluish tinge that can affect the face and lips. There can also be a decrease in the child’s ability to remain alert and confusion or extreme drowsiness can occur.
Common Asthma Triggers
Many common everyday substances and situations can serve as a trigger for asthma attacks. Indoor environments often have a tendency to trap airborne pollutants, which can serve to make a child’s asthma worse. Pets should be kept outside if possible, with particular efforts towards keeping them away from the child’s bedroom. There should also be no smoking of any kind allowed in the house. Mold and mildew can often trigger an attack, so keeping home humidity levels low can help. Keeping the house as dust-free as possible is also advised, bedding should be covered with allergy-free materials, and any cleaning products or detergents should be scent-free.
Treatments for Pediatric Asthma
Pediatric asthma often requires the combined efforts of a child’s regular pediatrician along with an allergist. It is important to monitor the child’s symptoms and avoid situations that are known to trigger an asthma attack. Medication is usually needed to keep asthma under control, and should include those which are used to provide constant everyday treatment of the problem as well as “rescue” medications that can be used in an emergency when the child experiences a severe attack. If a child has a prescription for everyday medications, it is important that he or she takes them on a regular basis to avoid a severe attack. Children are sometimes tempted to not take medications when they are feeling well, but it is extremely important to continue the medications even when symptoms are not present. Rescue medications that are commonly used include inhalers, nebulizers and oral corticosteroids.
Prognosis
With proper care, children’s asthma can be managed and a child can essentially live a normal life. However, it is important to monitor a child’s condition closely to prevent complications or serious attacks. It is important to remember that asthma can be an extremely serious condition, and that it can even be life-threatening if not managed properly.