Did you know that childhood asthma is the most prevalent chronic lung disease? Uncontrolled and undiagnosed asthma in children can result in countless hospital admissions. That’s why asthma can be especially expensive in children, leading affordable medical insurance provider Affinity Health say.

Going to the hospital leads to kids missing school and parents missing work. It can be difficult to aim for a high quality of life when you have asthma. But with the proper therapy, you and your child can keep symptoms under control. Here’s how to help your child live to the fullest despite asthma.

 

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a common condition of the airways that causes the airway muscles to contract. The airway lining swells and becomes irritated, creating thick mucus. These changes restrict the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Restricted airways can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest.

 

What Causes Asthma in Children?

Children’s lungs and airways can become inflamed with asthma. Especially when exposed to common triggers like pollen, contracting a cold or other respiratory illnesses. Most children with asthma show symptoms before the age of five, so this is when to be most attentive to symptoms. The bronchial tubes, which allow air to enter and exit the lungs, are tiny in newborns and toddlers making it all that more important.

Asthma in children can be dangerous. 18.5 deaths per 100 000 cases of asthma in children rank South Africa sixth worldwide.  Why such a high ranking? Unfortunately it is due to totally controllable issues: a lack of diagnosis, treatment and access to care. The good news then is that if you catch signs of asthma in children early on, your child can live to the fullest without too much worry.

 

Symptoms of Childhood Asthma

Paediatric asthma symptoms can range from a cough to sudden breathing problems. Common warning indicators that parents should be aware of include:

• Coughing during the night.
• A wheezing or whistling sound is often heard during exhalation.
• Inability to breathe or rapid breathing.
• Frequent chest infections that linger.

Childhood asthma may also result in fatigue. Fatigue may also be due to sleep disturbances because of shortness of breath or wheezing at night.

‘Children may only show one of these symptoms,’ says Murray Hewlett, Affinity Health CEO. In some instances, asthma symptoms may be mistaken for a cold or bronchitis so be sure to do your due diligence and stay aware! Consult your health care provider if symptoms persist. The key to managing symptoms and preventing attacks is in early treatment.

 

How is Asthma Diagnosed in Children?

If asthma and allergies run in your family, inform your doctor. If you have a family history of asthma, your child is more likely to develop these conditions. Often, asthma is diagnosed with a medical examination and an airflow test. Especially when diagnosing young children.

But diagnosing children can be complicated. Children younger than preschool age may be unable to perform the airflow test. It includes vigorous blowing into a tube. And infants and toddlers cannot articulate their emotions.

This makes it crucial for parents, family and caregivers to be aware of signs of asthma in children.

 

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, an asthma plan can help you track symptoms.

In extreme circumstances, you may observe your child’s chest and sides contracting as they struggle to breathe. Your child may experience an elevated heart rate, profuse sweating, and chest pain. Seek immediate medical care if your child:

• Has to pause in the middle of a sentence to collect their breath.
• Uses their abdominal muscles to breathe.
• Has wider nostrils when inhaling.
• Strives so hard to inhale that the abdomen caves in.

Learn More: Asthmatic? Here Are a Few Natural Remedies from Affinity Health to help.

 

Cover image by Rodnae on Pexels.

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