What is Pediatric Asthma?1
Asthma is a chronic Lung disease. A recent study concluded that about 8 out of every 100 Indian children have Asthma. It usually starts in childhood, before the age of five, and it affects your child’s airways, which are the tubes that transport air in and out of the lungs.
When your child has Asthma, their airways may become inflamed and narrowed. This can lead to wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. An Asthma attack or flare-up occurs when these symptoms worsen beyond what is usual.
Key Symptoms of Pediatric Asthma3
Recognizing the symptoms of Asthma in children is crucial for timely intervention and effective management of this chronic respiratory condition. Symptoms of Asthma can vary in frequency and severity.
Parents should be vigilant for the following signs:
Shortness of Breath
Coughing especially at night or with exercise/allergens
Wheezing
Chest tightness or pressure
Shortness of Breath
Coughing especially at night or with exercise/allergens
Asthma
Key Symptoms
Wheezing
Chest tightness or pressure
Triggers of Pediatric Asthma4
Childhood Asthma is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. An Asthma attack can occur if your child is exposed to an Asthma trigger. Various triggers can cause different types of Asthma.
Allergic Asthma caused by triggers such as
Dust Mites
Pollens from grass, trees and weeds
Pets
Molds
Waste from pests such as coackroaches and mices
Non-Allergic Asthma caused by triggers such as
Breathing in Cold Air
Household chemicals
Infectious such as cold and flu
Outdoor Airpollution
Tobacco Smoke
Exercise Induced Asthma
Types of Diagnosis5, 6
Initial Assessment:
Physical examination and medical history review.
Chest X-ray:
To rule out other conditions affecting L the lungs.
Lung Function Tests (Spirometry, Oscillometry, FeNO):
To understand lung function and inflammation or narrowing of airway
Peak Flow Tests:
Measures how forcefully a child can exhale, indicating airway narrowing.
Allergy Skin Prick Test (SPT) or Blood Tests:
If allergies are suspected as triggers.
Trial of Asthma Medications:
For younger children unable to perform lung function tests.
References:
1. Available on, https://medlineplus.gov/asthmainchildren.html; accessed on 04/07/2024.
2. Daniel, R. A., Aggarwal, P., Kalaivani, M., & Gupta, S. K. (2022). Prevalence of asthma among children in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lung India, 39(4), 357-367.
3. Available on,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-asthma/symptoms-causes/syc -20351507; accessed on 04/07/2024.
4. Available on, https://medlineplus.gov/asthma.html; accessed on 04/07/2024.
5. Available on, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-asthma/diagnosis-treatment /drc-20351513; accessed on 04/07/2024.
6. Available on, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6776-asthma-in-children; accessed on 04/07/2024.