One of the most common health problems that affects children is asthma, with approximately five to ten percent of children suffering from it. As a parent of a child under 18, you need to be aware of the symptoms, as it’s possible your child is currently suffering from it.
The symptoms of asthma include repeated coughing fits, sometimes including wheezing or breathing difficulties. These symptoms often worsen at night, or after being exposed to certain triggers. This illness can be caused by second-hand smoke, living in a polluted urban area, having pets, or being in a dusty/moldy environment. These triggers can sometimes help indicate asthma, so if your child seems healthy, try to minimize their exposure to keep them from developing asthma!
A particular risk with asthma is misdiagnosis. It is probable that many children with asthma are instead diagnosed with a cold or another similar, temporary illness. If there are persistent coughing episodes for over two weeks, you should suspect asthma and ask your doctor about testing methods.
Treatment does not include a cure at this time, but your doctor can at least help minimize the symptoms so your child can live a healthy life including plenty of physical activity and sports.
The four types of asthma are:
1. Intermittent
This is relatively mild, with symptoms occurring less than once a week, and nighttime symptoms less than twice a month. A bronchodilator can be used to treat this as needed without much disturbance to your child’s everyday life.
2. Mild Persistent
This is more severe, symptoms occur more often than once a week (though still not everyday), and daily medication may be necessary.
3. Moderate Persistent
Asthma symptoms manifest daily in this step, so your child will need to use daily medications and a longer-acting bronchodilator to stay healthy.
4. Severe Persistent
Your child with severe persistent asthma will be hampered in some everyday activities, as he or she experiences asthmatic symptoms continuously every day, medications should be taken, and a specialist should certainly be consulted for the best course of action to take care of your child’s health.
Depending on the type of asthma your child has, some treatment options include bronchodilator medicines (either short- or long-acting), oral steroids, recording asthma attack triggers, and quick-relief asthma medication.
Always keep the quick-relief medications handy, and keep track of how much is left so you can get a refill before there is an emergency. If you have to use it more than once or twice a week, let your doctor know.
Your doctor will work with you and your child to come up with a treatment plan that hinders his or her life as little as possible, while allowing them to participate in exercise and physical activities.
Your child may outgrow this disease as some do, or may continue to be afflicted with occasional asthma attacks throughout life. Either way, asthma does not have to hinder your child’s quality of life — with proper treatment, your child can remain active and healthy without limitations.
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Tags: Children's Asthma