Asthma in Children: Recognizing Symptoms & Providing Treatment

Asthma in children can be elusive, often masquerading as a common cold or fatigue. Recognizing its symptoms early is crucial for prompt and effective treatment. 

This blog aims to guide parents through the subtle signs of childhood asthma, from persistent coughs to wheezing breaths and discusses the latest in medical management to ensure your child can breathe easier and live a vibrant, active life.

What is Paediatric Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition causing narrowed airways, leading to difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. Triggers can provoke severe asthma attacks, posing significant risks. It commonly begins in childhood, impacting immune development and contributing to school absences.

Its prevalence is rising due to increased allergens, reduced exposure to childhood illnesses, and lower breastfeeding rates. Effective management plans are critical for controlling symptoms and preventing severe episodes. Understanding and addressing these factors is essential in reducing the growing asthma rates among children.

What are the Symptoms of Asthma in Kids?

Childhood asthma symptoms fluctuate, often varying from one episode to another. Common signs include:

• Frequent coughing: Triggered during play, laughter, or at night.
• Reduced energy: Notable decrease in activity, especially during play.
• Rapid or laboured breathing: Known as dyspnea.
• Chest tightness and wheezing: Indicative of respiratory distress.

• Retractions: Signifying severe breathing effort.
• Weakness, irritability, and feeding difficulties: Affecting daily activities.

During an asthma attack, these symptoms can intensify, leading to status asthmaticus, a potentially life-threatening condition. Important signs of a severe attack include:

• Severe coughing and rapid worsening of symptoms.
• Serious breathing problems and increased respiratory rate.
• Bluish discolouration of skin and difficulty speaking.

Immediate medical attention is critical during severe episodes to ensure children’s safety and health.

You Can Also Read:  How to Avoid Influenza?

What are the Causes and Triggers of Asthma in Kids?

Childhood asthma may develop from various factors such as genetics, allergies, and respiratory infections. Particularly, a family history of asthma or frequent respiratory infections before age 5 increases risk.

Asthma triggers include:

• Respiratory infections: like cold or flu
• Physical exercise: especially in harsh weather
• Smoke and air pollution: from tobacco or industrial sources
• Allergens: such as animal dander, dust mites, and mould

To manage asthma, it’s crucial to understand and avoid these triggers. Strategies include:

• Hygiene education: to reduce infection risks
• Condition management: like treating exercise-induced asthma for fewer activity restrictions
• Home environment control: keeping spaces clean of dust and other allergens

Properly identifying and mitigating these triggers can significantly enhance the quality of life for children with asthma.

How is Asthma in Kids Diagnosed?

Diagnosing asthma in children under 6 is challenging due to symptom overlap with other illnesses and testing limitations.

Paediatricians base their diagnosis on:

• Medical history and physical exams: Including details about the child’s symptoms and family history of related conditions.
• Consultations: Referrals to specialists like paediatric pulmonologists or allergists may be necessary.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Lung function tests: Measuring air capacity and exhalation rate.
• Allergy tests: Identifying potential triggers.
• Chest X-rays: Ruling out other conditions.

For young children unable to perform certain tests, observing responses to asthma medications may be an alternative approach.

You Can Also Read: How do we get Pneumonia?

What is the Treatment for Asthma in Kids?

Childhood asthma management revolves around creating a personalised “asthma action plan” with healthcare providers. This plan is essential for:

• Understanding medication usage: When and how to use asthma medication.
• Action steps: What to do when asthma worsens and when to seek emergency care.
• Accessibility: Keep the plan accessible and share it with schools and caregivers.

Understanding and sharing this plan with schools and caregivers is crucial. Equally important is avoiding asthma triggers, with strategies provided by your child’s healthcare provider.

Medications are tailored based on age and asthma severity, including:

• Quick-relief medicines
• Short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs): Provide fast relief by opening airways.
• Anticholinergics: Alternative for quick relief, useful if SABAs cause side effects.
• Systemic corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and help recovery post-attack.
• Long-term control medicines
• Inhaled corticosteroids: Preferred daily medicine to reduce inflammation.
• Leukotriene modifiers: Maintain open airways and minimise swelling.
• Long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs): Used with steroids for preventing airway narrowing.

Adherence to the prescribed medication regimen, regular monitoring, and trigger avoidance are essential for effective childhood asthma management.

How Can Parents Support Children Who Have Asthma?

Parents can support their child with asthma by:

1. Learning about asthma: Understand the condition, recognize symptoms, and identify triggers.
2. Creating an asthma action plan: Collaborate with healthcare providers to form a plan detailing medication routines and actions for asthma attacks.
3. Managing medications: Ensure medications are taken as prescribed and understand how each works.
4. Reducing exposure to triggers: Keep the home environment clean and minimise exposure to allergens like dust, smoke, and pet dander.
5. Promoting a healthy lifestyle: Encourage regular physical activity and a balanced diet, ensuring adequate rest.
6. Providing emotional support: Engage in open communication, teach self-management skills, and address any related anxiety or social concerns.
7. Ensuring regular medical check-ups: Monitor the condition with healthcare professionals and adjust treatments as necessary.
8. Being prepared for emergencies: Always have a plan for acute attacks and understand when to seek emergency care.

By understanding asthma, maintaining a supportive environment, and promoting healthy habits, parents can help manage their child’s asthma effectively and ensure they lead a happy, active life.

You Can Also Read: How to protect yourself from Air pollution?

How Can You Create Asthma-Friendly Environments in Schools?

Creating asthma-friendly environments in schools involves several key steps:

1. Improve indoor air quality: Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and maintaining humidity levels can significantly reduce triggers.
2. Asthma management plans: Develop and implement individualised plans for students with asthma, and ensure staff are educated on managing asthma emergencies.
3. Reduce environmental triggers: Use non-toxic cleaning products, manage pests responsibly, and maintain school facilities to minimise irritants.
4. Enforce smoke-free policies: Strict no-smoking rules help maintain a healthy environment.
5. Adjust physical education programs: Tailor activities to accommodate students with asthma and provide indoor alternatives when outdoor air quality is poor.
6. Promote awareness: Educate the school community about asthma and ensure everyone knows the emergency protocols.
7. Training: Regular first-aid training for staff on recognizing and responding to asthma symptoms is crucial.
8. Healthy lifestyle: Encourage good nutrition and physical activity to support overall health.

By focusing on these areas, schools can create a supportive and safe environment for students with asthma, reducing the risk of asthma attacks and promoting better health and educational outcomes.

Conclusion

Finding out about your child’s asthma is a crucial first step in helping them to manage their condition. With proper care, your child can live free of asthma symptoms and maintain a normal, healthy lifestyle. It is always advisable to seek medical help from an experienced pulmonologist. Timely care and help can ensure an appropriate diagnosis and treatment of your condition. 

At the CK Birla Hospital, we ensure patients get holistic medical support which includes treatment in a compassionate environment. This patient-centric approach not only helps patients heal better but also ensures they are aware of the preventive measures as well. In case you need to consult a pulmonologist, reach out to us, or book a direct appointment at the CK Birla Hospital. (Booking Link).

FAQs

Can Children Outgrow Asthma, or Is It a Lifelong Condition?

Some children can outgrow asthma, particularly if it is mild, but others may have it as a lifelong condition. The outcome varies greatly from person to person.

How Can Parents Help Prevent Asthma Attacks in Their Children?

Parents can help prevent asthma attacks by minimising exposure to triggers, ensuring adherence to treatment plans, maintaining a clean environment, and educating themselves and their children about asthma management.

Are There Specific Triggers That Commonly Affect Children With Asthma?

Common asthma triggers in children include allergens (pollen, dust mites), irritants (smoke, pollution), cold air, exercise, infections, and stress. Identifying and avoiding these can help manage symptoms.

What Role Does Physical Activity Play in Managing Paediatric Asthma?

Physical activity is important in managing paediatric asthma as it strengthens respiratory muscles, improves lung function, and boosts overall health, but it must be balanced with careful monitoring and control.

How Can Schools Accommodate Children With Asthma to Ensure Their Well-being?

Schools can accommodate children with asthma by creating asthma-friendly environments, reducing exposure to triggers, allowing access to medication, and ensuring staff are trained in emergency response and awareness.