Are you wanting more information on pediatric asthma, a chronic disease that can make it difficult for children who are sensitive to allergens to breathe? While an asthma diagnosis for your child can be scary to hear, know that it is one of the more common health conditions children are diagnosed with nowadays.
Even though there is currently no cure for pediatric asthma, it is possible for your child’s asthma to be well managed when working together with a medical professional. Just be sure to be prepared to answer all of the questions that will be asked during the initial appointment, as this is the time when the medical professional will want to gather as much information as they can to make a proper diagnosis.
Asthma in children occurs when a child breaths in some type of irritant that leads to an inflammation of their airway. Once the irritant is in the body, the body reacts to this irritant by narrowing the airway, which leads them to experience difficulty breathing. While asthma can be hereditary and therefore passed down from generation to generation, it can also be caused when a child breathes in certain allergens that their body happens to be very sensitive to.
According to Medscape, in most cases of asthma in children, multiple triggers or precipitants are recognized and the patterns of reactivity may change with age.
The most common symptom associated with asthma is shortness of breath that leads to wheezing and coughing. Additional symptoms include feeling tired often, experiencing congestion in the chest and having difficulty sleeping through the night. The fact that it can be difficult to diagnose asthma in children makes it a good idea for parents to take notes on how often and how severe their child’s symptoms are. This will help a medical professional understand more about their asthma symptoms and allow them to offer the correct treatment option.
Some of the more common treatment options available for pediatric asthma include maintaining low humidity in the home, reducing any dust or pet dander in the home, learning about breathing techniques and taking recommended supplements. It is important for every child who has been diagnosed with pediatric asthma to be completely supported by their family and friends. Making an action plan for asthma attacks so everyone knows what to do during these situations is also a great idea.
Now that you know what causes pediatric asthma, as well as some of the more common symptoms and treatment options available nowadays, do you have any other questions for us? The more you understand about asthma, the better you can help your child deal with their symptoms. Since there is no cure for asthma, it is suggested that you find a health professional that you and your child can feel comfortable with so you can form a long-term relationship with them.
