Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by swelling and inflammation of the bronchial airways. The inflamed airways are very sensitive and will over-react to a "trigger," an agent that irritates the airways and stimulates the mucous lining of the bronchial tubes.
During an asthma attack, the inflamed bronchial tubes swell and produce more mucous. The smooth muscle that surrounds the bronchial tubes tightens, interfering with normal air flow to the lungs.
Common Causes of Asthma
- Allergies cause over 50% of the current cases, and of those children, about 30% are allergic to cats. Other allergens include pollen, animals, mold, fragrances and foods.
- Cigarette smoke
- Outdoor air quality, including dust, ozone, carbon monoxide and pollen levels.
- Weather, particularly cold air and windy conditions.
- Exercise
- Respiratory Infections
Symptoms of Asthma
The most common symptoms of asthma include frequent cough, wheezing (a whistling sound made when the child exhales), shortness of breath and rapid breathing.
The symptoms may worsen after the child runs or cries. Very young children may be irritable, and complain that they "feel funny" or their chest hurts. Infants may also be irritable, have poor appetites, and they may grunt while nursing.
Severe asthma attacks must be treated immediately and can be recognized when the child's breathing becomes increasing heavy, or labored. The lips and fingernails may have a blue tinge, which indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood.
The child may also be unable to complete a sentence and will use the muscles in the neck, shoulders and chest to breathe. When these symptoms are present, seek immediate medical help and dial 911.
Diagnosing Asthma
The physician will take a complete medical history including a family history of asthma. He will also ask about the frequency and severity of the symptoms, and if there seems to be a common trigger. The doctor will want to know if the child has a frequent cough or respiratory and sinus infections.
The doctor will listen to the child's lungs to determine if there is any wheezing. He will also look for signs of allergies, such as eczema on the skin, a runny nose or swollen nasal passages.
Special tests may be ordered, such as x-rays, allergy testing and pulmonary function tests, which measures the volume and air flow of the lungs.
Treatment
The treatment for asthma is focused on controlling the disease and reducing the frequency of asthma attacks.
- Medications for long-term control and quick relief, or rescue medications, are often used to control the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. The medications work by relaxing the muscle that surrounds the airways, reducing inflammation and blocking or stabilizing certain cells and receptors in the lungs.
- Remove and avoid the "trigger" that causes the asthma attack.
- Allergy shots may be prescribed if a specific allergy is determined to be the "trigger."
Living With Asthma
Currently, there is no cure for asthma. But, it is possible to keep asthma under control by following a few simple guidelines.
- Use the medications prescribed by the physician, even if the child feels better. Many of them are maintenance medications that are controlling the asthma.
- Avoid the "triggers" and remove them. This may include carpet or even pets.
- Get regular check-ups.
- Use a peak flow meter to measure how well the air is moving out of the lungs. It is important to know the child's normal peak flow number when she is well. If the number falls below 80% of her personal best peak flow number, give the child the quick relief inhaler or nebulizer and re-test. Often, the peak flow number will warn of an impending asthma attack before symptoms become apparent.
- Tell friends, relatives and teachers about the medications and symptoms so they can help if an emergency arises.
Asthma is a chronic disease, but many millions of people live everyday with their asthma under control. Learn to recognize the symptoms, know how to react to an asthma attack, and don't be afraid to ask the physician if you have concerns or questions.
For more information, visit the American Lung Association at www.lungusa.org.
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