{"id":7378,"date":"2022-09-02T04:54:39","date_gmt":"2022-09-02T04:54:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mdr.foobrdigital.com\/?p=7378"},"modified":"2022-09-02T04:54:39","modified_gmt":"2022-09-02T04:54:39","slug":"childhood-asthma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mudassirbackup.infinitycodestudio.com\/index.php\/2022\/09\/02\/childhood-asthma\/","title":{"rendered":"Childhood Asthma"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mdr.foobrdigital.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image-10.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7379\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"091e9c5e800089cd-1-1\">What Is Childhood Asthma?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Childhood asthma\u00a0is the same\u00a0lung disease\u00a0adults get, but kids often have different symptoms. Doctors also call this pediatric\u00a0asthma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your child has asthma, their\u00a0lungs\u00a0and airways can easily get inflamed when they have a\u00a0cold\u00a0or are around things like\u00a0pollen. The symptoms may make it hard for your child to do everyday activities or\u00a0sleep. Sometimes, an\u00a0asthma attack\u00a0can result in a trip to the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no cure for asthma in children, but you can work with your child\u2019s doctor to treat it and prevent damage to their growing lungs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"091e9c5e800089cd-1-2\">Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Asthma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all children have the same\u00a0asthma symptoms. A child may even have different symptoms from one episode to the next. Signs and symptoms of asthma in children include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A\u00a0cough\u00a0that doesn\u2019t go away (which may be the only symptom)<\/li><li>Coughing spells that happen often, especially during play or\u00a0exercise, at night, in cold air, or while laughing or crying<\/li><li>A cough that gets worse after a\u00a0viral infection<\/li><li>Less energy during play, and stopping to catch their breath during activities<\/li><li>Avoiding sports or social activities<\/li><li>Trouble sleeping\u00a0because of coughing or\u00a0breathing problems<\/li><li>Rapid\u00a0breathing<\/li><li>Chest tightness or\u00a0pain<\/li><li>Wheezing, a whistling sound when breathing in or out<\/li><li>Seesaw motions in their chest (retractions)<\/li><li>Shortness of breath<\/li><li>Tight neck and chest muscles<\/li><li>Feeling weak or\u00a0tired<\/li><li>Trouble eating, or grunting while eating (in infants)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Your child&#8217;s doctor should check out any illness that makes it hard for them to breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experts sometimes use the terms \u201creactive airways disease\u201d and \u201cbronchiolitis\u201d when talking about wheezing with shortness of breath or coughing in infants and\u00a0toddlers. Tests may not be able to confirm asthma in children younger than 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When to get emergency care<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A\u00a0severe asthma attack\u00a0needs medical care right away. Watch for these signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Stopping in the middle of a sentence to catch a breath<\/li><li>Using\u00a0stomach\u00a0muscles to breathe<\/li><li>A belly that sinks in under their ribs when they try to get air<\/li><li>Chest and sides that pull in as they breathe<\/li><li>Severe wheezing<\/li><li>Severe coughing<\/li><li>Trouble walking or talking<\/li><li>Blue lips or fingernails<\/li><li>Increasing shortness of breath with decreased\u00a0wheezing<\/li><li>Widened nostrils<\/li><li>Fast heartbeat<\/li><li>Sweating\u00a0more than usual<\/li><li>Chest pain<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"091e9c5e800089cd-2-4\">Causes and Triggers of Childhood Asthma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Common triggers include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Airway infections.<\/strong>\u00a0This includes colds,\u00a0pneumonia, and\u00a0sinus\u00a0infections.<\/li><li><strong>Allergens.\u00a0<\/strong>Your child might be allergic to things like cockroaches,\u00a0dust mites,\u00a0mold, pet dander, and pollen.<\/li><li><strong>Irritants.<\/strong>\u00a0Things like air pollution, chemicals, cold air, odors, or smoke can bother their airways.<\/li><li><strong>Exercise.<\/strong>\u00a0It can lead to wheezing, coughing, and a tight chest.<\/li><li><strong>Stress.<\/strong>\u00a0It can make your child short of breath and worsen their symptoms.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"091e9c5e800089cd-2-5\">Childhood Asthma Risk Factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Asthma\u00a0is the leading cause of long-term illness in children. It affects about 7 million kids in the United States. Those numbers have been going up, and experts aren\u2019t sure why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most children have their first symptoms by age 5. But asthma can begin at any age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Things that can make a child more likely to have asthma include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Nasal allergies\u00a0(hay fever) or\u00a0eczema\u00a0(allergic\u00a0skin rash)<\/li><li>A\u00a0family history\u00a0of asthma or allergies<\/li><li>A lot of respiratory infections<\/li><li>Low birth\u00a0weight<\/li><li>Exposure to secondhand\u00a0tobacco\u00a0smoke before or after birth<\/li><li>African-American or Puerto Rican descent<\/li><li>Being raised in a low-income environment<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"091e9c5e800089cd-2-6\">Childhood Asthma Diagnosis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your child\u2019s asthma symptoms may be gone by the time you get to the doctor\u2019s office. You have an important role in helping your doctor understand what\u2019s going on. A diagnosis will include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Questions about medical history and symptoms.<\/strong>\u00a0Your doctor will ask about any\u00a0breathing problems\u00a0your child may have had, as well as any family history of asthma,\u00a0allergies,\u00a0eczema, or other lung disease. Describe your child&#8217;s symptoms in detail, including when and how often they happen.<\/li><li><strong>Physical exam.<\/strong>\u00a0Your doctor will listen to your child&#8217;s\u00a0heart\u00a0and lungs and look in their nose or\u00a0eyes\u00a0for\u00a0signs of allergies.<\/li><li><strong>Tests.<\/strong>\u00a0Your child might get a chest X-ray. If they\u2019re 6 or older, they may have a simple\u00a0lung test\u00a0called\u00a0spirometry. It measures the amount of air in your child\u2019s lungs and how fast they can blow it out. This helps the doctor find out how severe their asthma is. Other tests can help find\u00a0asthma triggers. They may include allergy\u00a0skin testing,\u00a0blood\u00a0tests (IgE or RAST), and X-rays to tell if\u00a0sinus\u00a0infections or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is making asthma worse. A test that measures the level of nitric oxide (eNO) in your child\u2019s breath can also point to inflamed airways.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"091e9c5e800089cd-3-7\">Childhood Asthma Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on your child&#8217;s history and how severe their asthma is, their doctor will develop a care plan, called an\u00a0asthma action plan. This describes when and how your child should use\u00a0asthma medications, what to do when asthma gets worse, and when to seek emergency care. Make sure you understand this plan, and ask your child&#8217;s doctor any questions you may have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your child&#8217;s asthma action plan is important for controlling their asthma. Keep it handy to remind you of your child&#8217;s daily management plan, as well as to guide you when your child has asthma symptoms. Give copies to your child\u2019s caregivers, teachers, and even the bus driver so they\u2019ll know what to do if the child has an asthma attack away from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to following your child&#8217;s asthma action plan, you want to make sure exposure to asthma triggers is limited, and preferably avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What asthma drugs can children take?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most asthma medications that are given to adults and older children can also safely be prescribed to toddlers and younger children.\u00a0Drugs\u00a0that are approved for younger children are given in doses adjusted for their age and weight. In the case of inhaled drugs, a different delivery device based on the child&#8217;s age and ability may be required. (Many children can\u2019t coordinate their breathing well enough to use a standard\u00a0inhaler.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two main types of asthma medications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Quick-relief medications\u00a0<\/strong>help with sudden symptoms. Your child will take them for fast help during an asthma attack.<\/li><li><strong>Long-acting medications<\/strong>\u00a0prevent airway\u00a0inflammation\u00a0and keep asthma under control. Your child will probably take them every day.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If an\u00a0infant\u00a0or older child has symptoms of asthma that require treatment with a\u00a0bronchodilator\u00a0medication more than twice a week during the day or more than twice a month at night, most doctors recommend daily anti-inflammatory drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many asthma medications contain\u00a0steroids, which could have side effects. They can irritate your child\u2019s\u00a0mouth\u00a0and throat. Some research shows that over time, they might cause slow growth,\u00a0bone\u00a0problems, and\u00a0cataracts. After your child takes them, their body might not be able to make as many natural steroids. But without treatment, asthma can lead to health problems and hospital visits. You and your doctor should talk about the pros and cons of medication when you make an asthma action plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How do I give my child asthma medication?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your child&#8217;s doctor will tell you how often to give your child breathing treatments, based on how severe their asthma is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may give your child (usually for children under 4) asthma medications using a home nebulizer, also known as a breathing machine. A\u00a0nebulizer\u00a0delivers asthma drugs, usually bronchodilators, by changing them from a liquid to a mist. Your child gets the drug by breathing it in through a face mask. These breathing treatments usually take about 10 to 15 minutes and are given up to several times a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To use the nebulizer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Wash your hands.<\/li><li>Put the medicine in the nebulizer.<\/li><li>Connect the tubes from the compressor to the base.<\/li><li>Attach the mouthpiece or mask.<\/li><li>Turn the compressor on and watch for a light mist to come from the nebulizer.<\/li><li>Put the mask on your child\u2019s face, or put the mouthpiece in their\u00a0mouth\u00a0and have them close their lips around it.<\/li><li>Have them breathe in and out until their treatment time is up.<\/li><li>Turn the nebulizer off when the medicine is gone.<\/li><li>Have your child cough to clear out any\u00a0mucus.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There are guidelines for managing asthma in children up to age 4. This includes the use of quick-relief medications (like\u00a0albuterol) for off-and-on symptoms. A low dose of an\u00a0inhaled steroid, or montelukast (Singulair) is the next step up. After age 4, the focus shifts from symptom control to disease management. If your child\u2019s asthma is under control for at least 3 months, their doctor may lower their treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of a nebulizer, older kids may be able to use a hydrofluoroalkane inhaler or HFA (formerly called a metered dose inhaler or MDI) with a spacer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A spacer is a chamber that attaches to the inhaler and holds the burst of medication. This lets your child breathe the medication into their lungs at their own pace. To use an\u00a0inhaler with a spacer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Wash your hands.<\/li><li>The first time you use it, prime the inhaler by spraying it 4 times into the air.<\/li><li>Put the inhaler into the opening at the end of the spacer.<\/li><li>Shake it for 10 seconds.<\/li><li>Have your child turn their head to the side and breathe out.<\/li><li>Have them close their mouth around the mouthpiece of the spacer.<\/li><li>Tell them to take a slow deep breath.<\/li><li>Make them hold it in and count to 10.<\/li><li>Have them slowly breathe out.<\/li><li>If your doctor prescribes two puffs of medicine, wait 1 minute after the first puff and then do it all again.<\/li><li>Help them rinse their mouth, brush their\u00a0teeth, or get a drink of\u00a0water.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"091e9c5e800089cd-5-11\">Avoiding Childhood Asthma Triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To prevent asthma attacks or to keep them from getting worse, focus on known triggers with steps like these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Don\u2019t let anyone smoke in your home or car.<\/li><li>Clean bedding and carpets often to fight dust mites.<\/li><li>Keep pets out of your child\u2019s bedroom. An air filter can help with allergens.<\/li><li>Get regular pest control to avoid cockroaches.<\/li><li>Fix leaks and use\u00a0dehumidifiers\u00a0to prevent mold.<\/li><li>Don\u2019t use scented cleaning products or candles.<\/li><li>Check daily air quality reports in your area.<\/li><li>Help your child stay at a healthy weight.<\/li><li>If they have\u00a0heartburn, keep it under control.<\/li><li>If exercise is a trigger, your child\u2019s doctor might have your child use the inhaler 20 minutes before the activity to keep their airways open.<\/li><li>Make sure they get a\u00a0flu shot\u00a0every year.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"091e9c5e800089cd-5-12\">Childhood Asthma Complications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it\u2019s not under control, asthma can cause problems like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Severe attacks, sometimes leading to ER visits or stays in the hospital<\/li><li>Missed school and other activities<\/li><li>Fatigue<\/li><li>Stress,\u00a0anxiety, and\u00a0depression<\/li><li>Delays in growth or\u00a0puberty<\/li><li>Damaged airways and lung infections<\/li><li>Death<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"091e9c5e800089cd-5-13\">Childhood Asthma Outlook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no\u00a0cure for asthma, but your child can learn to control it. They should be able to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Prevent long-term symptoms<\/li><li>Go to school every day<\/li><li>Avoid asthma symptoms at night<\/li><li>Take part in daily activities, play, and take part in sports<\/li><li>Avoid urgent visits to the doctor, emergency room, or hospital<\/li><li>Use and adjust medications to control symptoms with few or no side effects<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If they have trouble meeting all of these goals, ask their doctor for advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a lot that experts don\u2019t know about\u00a0infant\u00a0lung function and asthma. But they believe that a child is more likely to be diagnosed with asthma by age 7 if they\u2019ve had multiple wheezing episodes, have a mother with asthma, or have allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once a child\u2019s airways become sensitive, they stay that way for life. But about 50% of children see a sharp drop in asthma symptoms once they reach their teens. It may seem they\u2019ve outgrown their asthma, but some will have symptoms again as adults. There\u2019s no way to predict what may happen with your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By learning about asthma and how to control it, you take an important step toward managing your child&#8217;s condition. Work closely with their care team to learn all you can about asthma, how to avoid triggers, what medications do, and how to give treatments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Is Childhood Asthma? Childhood asthma\u00a0is the same\u00a0lung disease\u00a0adults get, but kids often have different symptoms. Doctors also call this pediatric\u00a0asthma. If your child has asthma, their\u00a0lungs\u00a0and airways can easily get inflamed when they have a\u00a0cold\u00a0or are around things like\u00a0pollen. The symptoms may make it hard for your child to do everyday activities or\u00a0sleep. Sometimes, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[886],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mudassirbackup.infinitycodestudio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7378"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mudassirbackup.infinitycodestudio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mudassirbackup.infinitycodestudio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mudassirbackup.infinitycodestudio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mudassirbackup.infinitycodestudio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7378"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mudassirbackup.infinitycodestudio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7378\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mudassirbackup.infinitycodestudio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7378"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mudassirbackup.infinitycodestudio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7378"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mudassirbackup.infinitycodestudio.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7378"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}