Asthma in Children
Whether one is hiking House Mountain or just walking down the street, breathing difficulties can impact a person’s enjoyment of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021 over 20M adults in the United States aged 18 and over had asthma, and 4.6M children aged 17 and under had the disease. Uncontrolled or undiagnosed asthma can land the unsuspecting in the emergency room, making it crucial to understand its signs and symptoms to prevent such a traumatic event.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease with an unknown root cause. It affects people of all ages and occurs when a person’s airways become sensitive to something in the indoor or outdoor environment. When exposed to that trigger the linings of the airways then swell and become inflamed in response to the trigger, the surrounding muscles tighten, and the airways begin to produce mucus that is thicker than normal. The airways then narrow, making it difficult for the lungs to take in or expel air. Incidences of asthma are steadily increasing and is the leading form of chronic illness among children.
Often starting before a child reaches the age of 5, asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood and can be tricky to recognize or diagnose in such young children.
Who is at Risk for Asthma?
- Children and adolescents 5-17 years old
- Tobacco smoke exposure in utero or as a small child
- Children whose parents have asthma, especially if it is the mother
- Race or ethnicity- Black and African Americans and Puerto Ricans are at higher risk of asthma than people of other races or ethnicities.
- Having other diseases or conditions such as eczema, obesity
- Having allergies, including to foods
- Numerous viral respiratory infections as young children
- Asthma is more common in boys in children, in teens, it is more common in girls
What are the Signs of an Asthma Attack?
Asthma attacks can often begin with coughing fits and chest tightness, or a heaviness about the chest. Some say it feels like they are sucking air through a straw. People with diagnosed asthma should follow the action plan their doctor has helped them to create.
Call 9-1-1 for young children with asthma if they:
- Are drowsy, confused, or troubled
- Have a blue tint to the skin and lips
- Have a fast heartbeat
Signs of a severe asthma attack:
- Severe and constant wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness
- Breathlessness that prevents eating, speaking, or sleeping
- Fast breathing
- Racing heartbeat
- Drowsiness, confusion, exhaustion or dizziness
- Blue lips or fingers
- Fainting
If asthma medications are not working or if a severe attack is occurring, you should go to the emergency room.
How can I Help my Asthmatic Child?
Medical Supervision– The first step in helping your child manage their asthma is to make sure they are under the care of a doctor who can provide them with a proper diagnosis and the medicines they need.
Keep up with medications– Work with your child to make sure they are taking any prescribed daily maintenance medication that helps manage overall lung inflammation. Make sure they have a system for carrying and keeping track of their rescue inhaler.
Asthma Action Plan– An action plan created with a doctor’s assistance helps your child learn how to best manage their asthma medications or determine when they might need more help.
Avoid Triggers– as with any allergic type of response, knowing what causes flare-ups or where they happen can help your child avoid situations and places that negatively impact their lungs.
Asthma Diary– By keeping track of symptoms and flare-ups parents and children can identify times and locations when symptoms tend to worsen which will inform the administration of medication.
Educate Teachers/Coaches– Be sure to let your child’s teachers and coaches know that they have asthma and any limitations or need for inhalers. Submit a doctor’s note to your child’s school file detailing what activities they can and cannot do to prevent issues related to class or other activities.
Professional athletes from runners to ice skaters, to soccer players live with asthma. Dealing with asthma can be a challenge, especially as the correct medicines and dosages are in the process of identification. The good news is that, in many instances, asthma can be managed well enough that it has minimal impact on one’s ability to live the active life they want.
If you need help managing your child’s asthmatic symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Knoxville today, or walk into our clinic any day of the week.