Childhood Asthma

Childhood Asthma is an ailment that affects more than 4 million children under the age of 18. Included in this number are diagnosed cases as well as hidden asthma and undiagnosed cases. Asthma is not a curable condition but it can be kept under control. Asthma ultimately affects the lungs and while normal lung function allows the air or oxygen to enter into the body the asthma restricts the amount of air that is supposed to pass. The nose and the airways trap big particles such as dust, pollen, mold and bacteria as well as certain chemicals like smoke and odors.

There are hundreds of muscles that are around the airways which contract to allow the air in and when certain irritants and allergens get mixed in the air they constrict the flow of air by attempting to close the airways. Children are no different than adults with asthma. Asthma is a condition that does affect the airways by becoming inflamed. When this happens your child will experience coughing and wheezing, tightness in the chest and short and rapid breathing. Also, like adults all children are different and may react to certain things differently. Not all children for example will have a problem being around certain pets while others may have breathing problems due to the dander of the animal.

In some children you may see the signs and the symptoms right away and in other children they may have asthma but the symptoms may not be apparent. Until they begin to wheeze, cough or have trouble breathing they may silently suffer from hidden asthma. Exercise when it comes to children is a cause of asthma. Running brings out the symptoms, especially in cold winter months. Respiratory infections that include the flu or a bad cold can trigger asthma. It can cause temporary asthma and in some children the effects may not be long lasting.

Allergies in children can cause Asthma attack

Certain allergies can trigger an asthma attack in children, Food, pollen, mold and animals are the most popular allergies that children suffer from. If your child has experienced any breathing problems, don’t hesitate to take them to the doctor because it is very important not to wait tool long if you suspect your child has asthma. The doctor will determine how severe the cases is and exactly what medications they can prescribe.