According to the American Lung Association, asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood – in fact, an estimated 3.8 million children under the age of 18 have had an asthma attack in the past year.
Because asthma affects a child's ability to breathe, it is a serious condition. However, a child with asthma can still have an active childhood with proper management and treatment. Frederic Renold, MD, board certified in Internal Medicine, Allergy and Immunology and on staff at Swedish Covenant Hospital, answers common questions related to childhood asthma.
What is asthma?
Asthma is caused by the swelling and closing of the airways connected to the lungs. The inflammation causes the airways to overact, producing increased mucus, swelling and muscle contraction, making it difficult to breathe.
What causes asthma in children?
Viral infections, environmental pollutants, dust and dander allergies are just a few factors that can cause the inflammation of the bronchial airways, triggering the asthmatic wheezing, coughing and gasping for breath. Children can have a genetic predisposition for asthma and also the allergies that trigger asthma. Food allergies may bring on an asthma attack as well.
How can I tell if my child has asthma?
Any child who has frequent coughing or respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis should be evaluated for asthma. Additionally, coughing that will not go away or wheezing are symptoms of asthma.
Many times, an upper respiratory problem, such as a sinus inflammation, may be related to a lower respiratory condition such as asthma. You may want to see your physician to have your child tested for lower respiratory trouble in addition to the sinus difficulties.
What should I do if I suspect my child has asthma?
If your child has signs of asthma, consult your primary care physician and arrange to have your child tested. A diagnosis of asthma must be taken seriously; children with even mild asthma have a significant risk of suffering a severe attack. You and your physician should work together to develop an asthma management plan - education and awareness are important to controlling asthma and preventing an attack from becoming dangerous.
What should I do if my child is having an asthma attack?
If your child is experiencing an asthma attack, anxiety and panic should be controlled as much as possible. Remain calm, encourage your child to relax and breathe and administer appropriate medications. An attack is severe if your child has trouble breathing, walking or talking; lips or fingernails turn blue or gray; or the symptoms get worse even after medication. If any of these things happen, call 911 immediately.
Frederic Renold, MD, FACAAI, FACP, is board certified in Internal Medicine, Allergy and Immunology. He completed his medical education at the University of Geneva in Switzerland and fulfilled a residency and fellowship in Internal Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco. He also completed a fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Chicago. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and a member of the American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology.
