Asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses in children. It occurs when small air passages in the lungs easily get inflamed and overreact to allergens and respiratory viral infections. When the muscles in the walls of the small air passages are stimulated by environmental allergens or infections, they release inflammatory agents that result in narrowing of the airways (bronchoconstriction). This obstructs airflow and leads to the symptoms of asthma.
Symptoms
Below are some of the symptoms which cause asthma:-
- Expiratory wheezes (a whistling sound when exhaling)Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Intermittent dry cough that can wake children at night
- Less physical activity than usual because exercise can induce asthma
Causes of childhood asthma
- Family history of asthma
- Personal history of atopic dermatitis (skin allergies) or allergic rhinitis (such as hay fever)
- Exposure to air pollutants, especially cigarette smoke
- A combination of environmental exposures, inherent biologic, and genetic susceptibilities
Lifestyle changes to reduce risk of an asthma attack
- Eliminate or reduce problematic environmental exposure
- Environmental tobacco smoke elimination or reduction in home and automobiles
- Allergen exposure elimination or reduction in sensitized asthmatic patients: Animal dander: pets. Pests (rat, mice), Dust mites, cockroaches, molds.
- Other airway irritants wood or coal burning smoke strong chemical odors and perfumes
- Treat co morbid conditions like Rhinitis, sinusitis, Gastroesophageal reflux.
Dr. Sivanandam Sundaram
Specialist Pediatrician
Aster Clinic -Al Khail
