Asthma

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition where our airway structures swell up or become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. Among children, this condition can lead to severe complications and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. 

What are its causes and concerns?

Asthma refers to difficulty in breathing due to the narrowing of the airways. During an asthma attack, the airways swell and become tight and narrow. Due to this, the air cannot pass through the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma attacks can range from minor to severe. Though the cause of asthma is unknown, we know of some factors that can put children at risk of developing this condition. These are:

• Allergies associated with this condition
• Environment, which refers to pollution and other factors
• Heredity – asthma is usually seen to run in the family

What are its symptoms?

In addition to difficulty breathing, certain other symptoms that are typically observed in relation to asthma are:

•  Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue during physical activity
• Trouble sleeping

In some cases, these symptoms are found to worsen at night and during allergy season. If your child exhibits any such symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with our paediatric asthma specialist.

What are the solutions and treatment options?

When you visit us, the doctor examines your child and may need to perform some tests to help determine the severity of your child’s medical condition. Some tests that may be performed are:

• Spirometry – measures the airflow in and out of the child’s lungs
• X-ray – may be done to rule out the possibility of infection
• Allergy testing – helps determine what kind of allergen is causing the symptoms.

Asthma attacks are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Your child may be prescribed corticosteroid medication daily to help reduce the number and frequency of the attacks. Albuterol, a quick-acting medicine, may also be prescribed to be used by your child during an asthma attack.

Along with medication, it is imperative to follow an action plan when dealing with a condition like asthma. The doctor may recommend maintaining a progress chart to track your child’s symptoms over a long period and report it to the doctor regularly.

In conclusion

It is possible to live with asthma if the parent and child are willing to work with the doctor to keep the condition in check. Monitoring the child’s condition and ensuring the effectiveness of the medication in controlling the asthma attacks are vital to the treatment process. If your child has asthma or related symptoms, do not hesitate to contact us and book an appointment today. Let us help you help your child in finding the best possible solutions to his or her condition.

Additional Reading: http://www.webmd.com/asthma/tc/asthma-in-children-overview