Asthma in the pediatric population: how to treat your child's asthma.

 

According to studies asthma is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism and it's also a significant burden on families, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing asthma in children and perhaps preventing life long complications. Here we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of asthma. 

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness that affects a large amount of the populace around the globe, including children. It can be described as inflammation of the airways, which makes it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs. 

Children with asthma can suffer from various symptoms such as wheezing,persistent coughing, chest tightness, recurring respiratory infections and shortness of breath. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can interfere with the daily life of a child depending on their severity. 

Causes of Asthma in Children

Even though the precise cause hasn't been discovered yet it is believed to have a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 

Asthma has various types but it is characterized by airway hyperreactivity. Children with a family history of asthma or allergies are at a higher risk of developing asthma. Environmental factors, such as exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution, and certain allergens, may also trigger asthma symptoms. The triggers for asthma vary from patient to patient and finding them out is a crucial part in controlling the disease. 

Common Symptoms of Asthma in Children.

The symptoms of asthma in children can vary from mild to severe and can occur at any time, including during physical activity, at night, and during the day. Common symptoms include:

• Wheezing: a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing
• Coughing: often exaggerated at night or early in the morning
• Chest tightness: a feeling of pressure or squeezing in the chest
• Shortness of breath or dyspnea 
• Rapid breathing

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In severe cases, untreated asthma and unattended acute exacerbations of asthma can be life threatening. 

Diagnosis of Asthma in Children

Diagnosing asthma in children can be a challenge for even the most experienced pediatricians. This is because the symptoms can mimic those of other respiratory conditions. A pediatrician will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination. They may also order lung function tests, to measure the amount of air a child can inhale and exhale.

Allergy testing may also be performed to determine if allergies are contributing to the symptoms. Another widely used test is a challenge test, which basically involves inhaling a medication that triggers asthma symptoms in a controlled and supervised environment. 

Treatment of Asthma in Children

The goal of asthma treatment is to control the symptoms and prevent its long term complications including irreversible loss of pulmonary function. The treatment of asthma has many dimensions including medications, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-up with a healthcare provider.

Medications:

The medications may be divided into two types 

• Quick-relief medications: These medications, such as albuterol or hydrocortisone, are used to relieve symptoms during an asthma attack. They play a major role in the management of acute exacerbations.
• Long term Controller medications: These medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, are used to prevent asthma symptoms and exacerbations from happening. They act as an anti inflammatory. 

Lifestyle changes include 

• Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as second-hand smoke, air pollution, and certain allergens.
• Regular exercise routine 
• A Healthy diet
• A Regular follow-up

A written asthma action plan can help parents and children understand the roadmap on how to deal with any scenario and when to seek urgent medical care. 

Conclusion

Finding out your child has asthma can be a nightmare for the parents. But it should be noted that depending on the type and severity of asthma, there is a good chance your child's asthma will resolve before they reach adulthood and not damage their lung function irreversibly. It is imperative that an early diagnosis is made, proper counseling by the medical doctor is done and the parents comply with the pediatrician's instructions in order to prevent life long complications in their child. 

Dr Waqas khan 

MBBS, FCPS Pg Pediatrics