Asthma – Is Your Child At Risk?

Asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness in children. So how can you know if your kid is
developing asthma at an early age? Is asthma treatable in case your child is already suffering? The
article below ‘Asthma – is your child at risk?’ answers all your questions concerning asthma and its treatment.

Factors indicating that a child may have asthma

1. Family History of Asthma
   This is an unavoidable circumstance where genetics are passed from one generation to another in
   a family. In this case, you can only wish that your children will not develop it, but there will be a
   higher chance of acquiring it compared to children with no family history of asthma.
2. Allergies
   The child may develop allergies to substances like pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, and many
   more. Should you see some of these reactions in your child, it’s best to visit a doctor to find out
   whether asthma is developing.
3. Low Birth Weight
   Being underweight is another common indication that your kid might have asthma. An average
   child should weigh at least 2kg at birth. However, do not assume the worst until you have seen the
   doctor confirm whether or not the child is safe.
4. Exposure to Tobacco Smoke before and after Birth
   Avoid smoking tobacco before giving birth. Doing so affects the infant’s immune system making
   the kid more likely to develop asthma. Avoid smoking tobacco around your child, too, as this is
   associated with asthmatic symptoms.

Common asthma symptoms

1. Rapid breathing
   This is very common while sleeping. If you hear your kid taking heavy breaths, then there must be
   a problem, and asthma might be the primary reason behind this.
2. Tightened Neck Muscles
   This symptom is merely visible to children below two years of age. However, you will realize that
   the child is in pain when turning his neck. This should trigger your mind for a quick checkup of
   asthma development.
3. Frequent Coughing Spells
   The symptom appears when the child is playing, laughing, or moments after waking up. The
   coughs may be due to something else, so be sure by consulting a doctor.
4. A Whistling Sound
   The sound comes from the mouth when the child is breathing in and out. This shows that the
   respiratory system is struggling to work, and is a sign of asthma.
5. Less Energy during Play
   Suppose you note that your child is getting exhausted quicker than usual or before the other kids,
   then you should have some checkups done on them. The loss of energy can be due to less
   circulation of oxygen which would be caused by asthma.
6. Pale, sweaty face
   This happens at average temperatures, so it is easy to note. A pale, sweaty face on your child
   should mean some bad news. Visit a doctor to be sure whether the cause is asthma.

Treatment

1. Theophylline
   The medicine helps ease tightness in the chest by opening up the airways. It is taken through the
   mouth by itself but can also be accompanied by an inhaler.
2. Short-acting Beta-agonists
   This is a type of asthma treatment taken in the form of an inhaler, used to relieve the immediate
   symptoms. The medicine relaxes the muscle bands surrounding your airwaves.
3. Inhaled Corticosteroids
   This is a long-term asthma treatment where you have to keep on inhaling the medicine to relax
   your muscles, keeping asthma under control.

Asthma is not curable but can be kept under control. The first step is making sure that you know
whether or not the child has it, then get the medicine to avoid further damage.

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