Asthma in Children
Asthma is a lung condition that causes difficulty breathing, and it’s common among kids and teens. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Anyone can have asthma, even infants, and the tendency to develop the condition is often inherited.
Asthma is a serious and potentially life threatening illness that affects many children. Fortunately, there are many medications that can help control and prevent asthma attacks. However, it can be difficult to understand how all of the different medications are supposed to be used and what you should be doing to help manage your child’s asthma.
Early warning signs that your child’s asthma is getting worse may include the following:
• a cough that will not go away
• coughing until your child throws up (vomits)
• coughing at night
• wheezing
• your child has trouble catching his breath
• your child gets tired soon after starting to play or exercise
• breathing faster than usual
• seeming grumpy, cranky, or out of sorts
• signs of a cold
• sneezing
Triggers — things that can irritate airways and lead to an asthma flare-up — can vary from season to season and as kids get older. Common triggers include:
• allergens, including microscopic dust mites present in house dust, carpets, and pillows; animal dander and saliva; pollens and grasses; molds; foods; medications; and cockroaches
• viral infections, including the common cold and the flu
• irritants, including smoke, air fresheners, aerosols, paint fumes, hair spray, and perfumes
• exercise
• breathing in cold air
• weather changes
The main treatment when your child is coughing or wheezing and having trouble with his asthma is to use a bronchodilator, such as Albuterol, Proventil, Ventolin or Xopenex (a newer medication). These are also called ‘quick relief’ or ‘reliever’ medications. Except for Xopenex, which is only in a nebulizer form, these medications are available for use with a nebulizer, metered dose inhaler, or syrup. Younger children may be able to use a metered dose inhaler with a spacer and mask.