Childhood asthma is an inflammatory condition of the lungs that makes it difficult for the child to breathe. It is a chronic condition that affects around 4.6 million children in the US. Childhood asthma is serious because it is among the leading causes of hospitalizations, emergency visits, and missed school days.
It is natural for parents to go through an emotional crisis when their child is diagnosed with this condition. Some of the dominant emotions during the initial period include denial, anxiety, helplessness, and guilt.
We understand that childhood asthma can potentially impact your child’s daily life and activities. You may feel stressed about how to help your child manage their symptoms as well as medication regimes. In this article, we will discuss the common symptoms of childhood asthma for early diagnosis, along with ways to manage them.
Common Symptoms and Risk Factors of Childhood Asthma
First, let’s discuss the common symptoms of childhood asthma. According to MedlinePlus, childhood asthma often affects children before the age of five. It is considered to be the most chronic disease among children.
Some of the early signs or symptoms of this condition include:
- Tightness in the chest
- Extreme fatigue
- Irritability
- Constant coughing at night or early in the morning
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Breathing issues, including rapid breathing, gasping for air, and shortness of breath
- Wheezing, which leads to a whistling sound during exhalation
Besides these symptoms, there may be sudden flare-ups in the form of an asthma attack. In that case, the symptoms mentioned above will worsen and the child may turn blue or pale on the lips, fingernails, and face. An asthma attack can be life-threatening and is a medical emergency.
Now, let’s understand which children are most at risk of developing asthma. Here are some of the most common risk factors –
- Exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy
- Genetics may play a role, especially if the mother has asthma.
- Other conditions like allergies and obesity increase the risk.
- In children, asthma is more common in boys than in girls.
- Children with a low birth weight also carry a higher risk of developing asthma.
Have an Action Plan in Place
Having discussed the common symptoms and risk factors, it’s time to know how parents can help their children manage asthma. Start by identifying the symptoms if your child has not been diagnosed yet.
If you suspect they may have childhood asthma, get them checked sooner rather than later. The pediatrician will go through your child’s medical history and run necessary tests like X-rays to check lung function. A pediatrician will make the initial diagnosis, but these professionals usually work in tandem with an experienced healthcare team.
This means others will be involved in long-term care, including pulmonologists, allergists, pediatric nurses, and immunologists. The action plan will predominantly involve the care of a pediatric nurse, who will be responsible for monitoring the child’s response to treatment.
Having an affinity for children, these nurses pursue advanced courses like pediatric nurse practitioner doctorate programs online or offline. Their specialized learning enables them to address even acute asthma attacks and common triggers.
According to Baylor University, the nurse practitioner will even examine the role of genetics or the environment that contributes to the illness. This will help them recommend appropriate management strategies to prevent sudden flare-ups and attacks. You can discuss the action plan with your child’s nurse to gain a proper understanding of the treatment course.
They will educate you on the intricacies of the action plan and how you can support your child. Examples include providing inhalers as prescribed, giving them medicines at the right time, and more.
Limit Your Child’s Exposure to Triggers
As per the Cleveland Clinic, several factors may be responsible for childhood asthma. Of them, allergens like pollen and dust and secondhand smoke are the most common.
If your little one has been diagnosed with this condition, you need to do your best to limit their exposure to any triggers. How they breathe often starts with what they breathe in. It’s important to keep them safe against pet dander, dust, and seasonal allergies.
Here are a few ways to keep triggers away –
- Clean your home thoroughly every day, including proper dusting and mopping
- Wash all garments, bedding, and curtains in hot water
- If you own pets, bathe and groom them regularly. Ideally, it is best to keep pets away from your child
- Use an air-conditioner during summer to reduce indoor humidity and airborne pollen
- Avoid strong-smelling products inside the home that may contain harsh chemicals
- Cold, dry air can worsen the symptoms of asthma. Have your child wear a face mask when they’re going out in the cold
Maintain an Asthma Diary
An asthma diary is a tool used by asthma patients to keep track of their triggers and symptoms as well as medication use. In your child’s case, you can maintain a diary to record and monitor their progress.
You can maintain this diary even if your child has not been diagnosed. You can use it to identify symptoms and understand triggers. Once they have been diagnosed, the diary will serve as a means to recognize any change in symptoms and effectiveness of the medicines.
Accordingly, in case of doubts or concerns, you can reach out to the healthcare provider or even a registered nurse. They will be able to help you understand the state of your child’s asthma. Based on the diary, the action plan can be modified to match your child’s current needs.
Apart from the three tips we have just discussed, alternative treatments can aid in better asthma management. According to the Mayo Clinic, other options, like meditation, the Buteyko breathing technique, and hypnosis, can help manage asthma better.
Keep in mind that more research is needed to understand how well alternative treatments work. If you wish to integrate those with your child’s standard treatment plan, consult with their healthcare provider first.
