Understanding Childhood Asthma
Asthma affects 6 million American Children . If not managed properly, asthma can affect children of all ages. It is important for caregivers and parents to understand what childhood asthma looks like, how it occurs, and what it can be treated.
What's Childhood Asthma?
Chronic inflammatory disorders of the airways in childhood asthma can make breathing hard. The cause is when your airways are irritated by certain triggers such as smoke, dust mites and pet dander. This causes the airways to become smaller and the ability of air to flow into and out the lungs to be less efficient. The result is tightening of the chest, coughing and wheezing.
While some asthma symptoms can be temporary, many asthmatic children will have the condition for life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) estimates that approximately 1 out 11 children in school have asthma. This number keeps growing each year.
The Common Causes of Childhood Asthma
Although there is not one cause for childhood asthma, several factors can raise a child’s chances. They include:
- A family history of allergies or asthma
- Secondhand smoke exposure
- Air Pollution
- Being overweight
- Low birth weight or preterm birth
Asthma attacks can also be triggered by certain environmental factors, including dust mites and pet dander.
There are several common treatments for childhood asthma
Childhood asthma treatment aims to decrease the severity and frequency of attacks. These are the most popular treatments for childhood asthma:
- Asthma medications: The most common prescribed asthma medication is inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators. They reduce inflammation and open up the airways to make breathing more easy.
- Allergy shots: Immunotherapy (also known as allergy shots) can be used to reduce a child's exposure to allergens which can cause asthma attacks.
- Environment Controls: It is important to manage asthma by identifying and eliminating environmental triggers. The caregivers as well as parents should collaborate with their healthcare providers to determine potential triggers, and develop an asthma action plan.
Sometimes, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and healthy eating can help manage symptoms of asthma.
Expert opinion on Childhood Asthma
For long-term problems to be avoided, experts agree that it is important for children with asthma to receive treatment early. The President of American College of Allergy and Asthma and Immunology Dr. Stephen Tilles said that asthma can be a severe condition and parents should take it seriously. It can cause permanent lung damage if it is not treated properly.
Dr. Tilles suggests that parents and caregivers collaborate with their healthcare providers to create an asthma action plan. The plan must include details on how to spot early signs of asthma attacks, what medications to be used properly and how to respond if one occurs.
Natural Treatments and Tips to Help Your Child With Asthma
There are many natural ways to help manage asthma in childhood. They include:
- Reduce or eliminate exposure to environmental triggers like dust mites and pet dander.
- Encourage physical activity, and encourage healthy eating habits.
- Use a humidifier in order to keep your air moist.
- Avoid sudden changes in weather or cold temperatures.
- Relaxation techniques such as deep breath and meditation can be used.
The caregivers and parents should consult their doctor to find the best natural remedy and tip for their child.
Conclusion
Asthma in childhood is serious and can cause severe problems. It is important for caregivers and parents to understand the causes and how they can be treated. Children with asthma may live happy, healthy lives if they receive the correct treatment.
As a conclusion, asthma in childhood is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways and can lead to serious health issues if it's not managed properly. Childhood asthma can be caused by allergies or family history, secondhand smoke exposure, obesity, or being exposed to high levels of air pollution. There are many treatments available for childhood asthma, including allergy shots and medications. To help with asthma symptoms, experts recommend consulting a physician to create an action plan. This will prevent future complications. There are natural ways to help manage your asthma symptoms. Children with asthma may live happy, healthy lives if they receive the proper treatment.