Asthma in Children

Asthma is a lung disease that causes coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. When a child has asthma, the lining of the airways are irritated and swell, and the muscles around the airways tighten. Mucus forms in the airways, which can plug the airways. Asthma can be a very serious illness for children. There may be early warning signs before more serious asthma symptoms occur. These signs include:

• fast shallow breathing
• funny feeling in chest
• dark circles under eyes
• coughing
• pale skin color
• stuffy nose
• decrease in activity
• feeling tired or weak
• trouble sleeping, and
• trouble talking

When asthma symptoms happen quickly it is called an asthma attack. Asthma attacks can last from a few minutes to hours, or even days. Very severe asthma attacks may be life threatening. Many things can make asthma worse, such as: smoke, pollution, dust, pet dander, mold, infections, cold weather, exercise, emotions, gastroesophageal reflux, and hormones. These are called allergens or triggers and they are not the same for everyone. Avoiding the triggers can often prevent attacks.

Most serious problems can be prevented with treatment and control of the environment. Control of the asthma means your child can live a normal life. You, your child, and your healthcare provider can work together to gain control of the symptoms by developing an asthma action plan. An asthma action plan includes what to do to help your child every day, what to do if you see early warning signs, and what to do for an asthma attack. Your child's asthma care plan includes information on when to call your healthcare provider and the use of specific devices such as a peak flow meter, inhaler, or a nebulizer.

You can help your child by learning what triggers your child's asthma and then reducing allergens and other triggers such as dust, smoke, and pet dander. For example:

• Keep pets out of your child's room.
• Reduce the growth of mold by keeping the humidity in your house below 50%.
• Dust-proof your child's bedroom.
• Change the filters on your hot-air heating system or air conditioner at least monthly.
• Use allergy-proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
• Wash throw rugs, sheets, blankets, and stuffed animals often in hot water to kill dust mites, and.
• Never allow anyone to smoke around children.

Ask your healthcare provider about a yearly flu shot and a pneumonia shot for your child.

Asthma can be treated, but cannot be cured. The good news is that for many children the symptoms get better as they reach their teen years. Learn as much about asthma as you can. For more information, contact the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File resp3701.htm Release 13/2010