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WHAT  IS  ASTHMA?

Asthma is a condition that causes the airways in the lungs to become narrow and inflamed, making breathing difficult. In the majority of children, asthma causes nothing more serious than mild wheezing as air is squeezed in and out and, as long as they are receiving treatment, they can lead normal lives. However, severe cases must be kept under control or it can be fatal.

 

What causes it?

 

The causes are unknown, although scientists have found a possible asthma gene. It is more common in families who suffer from allergies, and if you or your partner have asthma, the likelihood of your child developing it is greater. People with asthma have lungs that are particularly sensitive to certain triggers, which range from common allergens, such as pet hairs, smoke or pollen, to changes in air temperature, exercise or colds.

 

How to help your child

 

To help keep your child's asthma under control, try to take the following measures:

 

Do’s

• Do keep rooms well ventilated: also deal with any damp spots (mould spores can be a trigger).
• Do let your child exercise: it will help strengthen her body, keep her fit, build confidence and counteract stress. Do provide a healthy diet: also watch out for food allergies and intolerances (main culprits are nuts, wheat and dairy products).
• Do be aware of stress: starting playschool or school, the death of a pet, or even a new baby in the family can make the symptoms worse.

Don’ts

 

• Don't smoke: even a child who doesn't have asthma is more likely to develop it if one or both parents smoke.
• Don't keep furry or feathery pets: this may make your child's asthma worse.
• Don't let your house be a haven for dust mites: vacuum and use a damp cloth to wipe away dust frequently, wash your child's bed linen and soft toys often, and replace curtains and carpets, which harbour mites, with blinds and bare boards.

Furry pets may make your child's asthma worse, so if your child is asthmatic, it may not be a good idea to keep a pet. Young children often have difficulty using an inhaler, and may be given a large plastic container called a spacer instead. It has a mouthpiece at one end and a hole at the other end for an inhaler.

 

Symptoms

 

A child may have asthma if he:

• Coughs, particularly during the night or after exercise.
• Wheezes or produces a whistling or hissing noise from his chest.
• Is frequently short of breath, especially after exercise (he may avoid exertion and frequently ask to be carried).
• Complains of tightness’ in his chest.

How is asthma diagnosed?

 

Around 30 per cent of children up to the age of five experience wheezing and yet the majority of those. Will not go on to develop asthma. Other illnesses, such as acute bronchitis, can produce similar symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose.

• Measuring a child's lung function is a problem. In adults, a device called a peak flow measure is used, but this is .not suitable for children under six years of age. 
• Your doctor may wish to observe your child's symptoms over a period of time before deciding whether he has asthma. You may be asked to keep a record of your child's symptoms to see whether any pattern is developing.

What treatment is available?

 

Although there is no cure for asthma, a range of treatments can control it quite effectively. These works in two ways: preventers calm down inflammation in the lungs, which reduces the chance of an attack; relievers act quickly to open the airways in the event of an attack.

When your child is diagnosed as asthmatic, your doctor may ask you to keep a record of potential triggers, in order to avoid or reduce contact with them. Your doctor may also prescribe one or both types of medicine - a reliever (or bronchodilator) and/or a preventer (corticosteroid or steroid).

 

Preventers and relievers

 

Preventers: these work by reducing the swelling and inflammation of the airways, so that they are less likely to react badly when they come in contact with a trigger. Your child will usually be asked to take his preventer twice a day in the morning and the evening to protect the airways and to prevent attacks. It may take up to two weeks before he begins to notice an improvement in his symptoms. Although preventers usually contain steroids, the dose is so low that there are no side effects. If your child's asthma is severe, he may be prescribed a short course of steroid tablets.

 

Relievers: these are taken only when your child has trouble breathing (or when he anticipates having trouble, such as before exercise). They work very quickly to relax the muscles surrounding the airways. This makes breathing instantly easier, but has no affect on inflammation in the airways.

 

Taking the medicine

 

Relievers and preventers are usually given via an inhaler or 'puffer', which your child breathes directly into his lungs. This method is very effective as the medicine is delivered to the area, affected and very little is absorbed into the bloodstream.

• However, inhalers can be difficult for young children to use, so normally a device called a spacer is used. This is a large plastic container with a mouthpiece at one end and a hole at the other end for the inhaler to fit in (if your child is under three years, he may need to wear a face mask, too).
• The inhaler is pressed once, the medicine is released into the spacer, and your child breathes in and out to the count of 10. 

What to do in an attack:

 

An attack may occur when your child's asthma has worsened over time and is no longer easily controlled by inhalers. It can be very frightening, so it's important for you to stay calm and reassure him.

• Give your child his reliever. Sit him in an upright position and encourage him to breathe sign of improvement, or slowly and calmly. 
• The reliever should work within five to 10 minutes but if there is no if your child is extremely distressed or exhausted, or has blue lips, call an ambulance. Continue to give the reliever every few minutes until help arrives

 For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.