Why Do Children Get Asthma?

Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases which affect people of all ages and gender. It is defined as a chronic disorder of the lungs wherein the airways or the bronchi become narrowed. This condition can be distinguished by chronic symptoms such as obstruction of the airflow, inflammation and bronchospasm or bronchial hyper sensitivity. Although the signs and symptoms often resemble that of COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis, inflammation with this disorder is irreversible. Alarmingly, to date asthma affects over 12% of the US population and more than 300 million around the world. In the United States alone, asthma causes around 4000 deaths annually.

Especially disturbing is the fact that the number of children with asthma has also increased over the years. As a matter of fact, it is the chief cause of chronic disorder in kids. According to statistics, there's approximately 10% to 12% of children in America that are affected by this respiratory condition and it is progressively increasing. Asthma can start at any age but most patients experience their first symptoms no later than 5 years of age.

Some of the known risk factors for developing childhood asthma include the presence of allergies in kids. Children with asthma often have family members or relatives affected by the disorder as well. It can also develop if the child suffers from recurring respiratory infections. Children exposed to smoke during conception and after birth plus those who have a low birth weight are most likely to have asthma. Studies have also shown that kids raised in impoverished environments are affected by this respiratory ailment more so than those living in a high-income environment. Recent studies show exposure to pollutants increases the susceptibility of kids to become asthmatic. Those who were born by Caesarean section are more likely to have the disorder as well since they were exposed to more bacteria during birth compared with those who are born through a vaginal delivery.

Symptoms of an impending asthma attack include severe coughing at night and during play or even while laughing. A child may also become less energetic especially during play and might complain of chest pains or tightness in that area. Parents can also note rapid breathing or wheezing when inhaling or exhaling. More labored breathing can be detected due to retractions in the chest area as well as a tightened chest and neck muscles while breathing. For kids under 5 years old, upper respiratory infections such as the common cold usually trigger asthma attacks.

Aside from keeping a record of the each attack, the best way to treat this disorder is by bringing children with asthma to a specialist so the condition can be managed. For immediate relief, especially for infants, bronchodilator medications should be given. Most doctors also recommend the use of anti-inflammatory medicines. Just make sure that the dosage of the medicine corresponds to your child's weight and age. Also, since younger kids are not able to manage their breathing suitably to use ordinary inhalers, inhaled medications can be given in a different manner.

In order to reduce the risk of your child developing asthma or having an asthma attack it would be wise to keep them away from smoke, pollutants and other allergens that could trigger an attack.