Asthma is a disease that is characterized by prolonged respiratory difficulties such as difficulty in breathing and wheezing. It is a most common serious chronic disease in childhood, affecting nearly five million children in the United States alone.

An asthmatic child is anxious and pale, and breathes with difficulty which causes a slight noise. Asthma is characterized by the intensity of cough, respiratory effort which is attributed to the respiratory muscles. It is also characterized by the collapse of the sternum and the intercostals spaces and nasal flapping movements of the neck muscles and a tight chest, shortness of breath and wheezing.

Causes of Childhood Asthma

An asthmatic attack can be triggered by an allergen that causes the disease, which can also be attributed to psychological conflicts.

To make a diagnosis and control of childhood asthma, it is necessary to consider:

- If there is any family history of children with asthma;

- Which allergens (dust mites, pollen, and mold by moisture) is the child exposed to;

- The frequency and severity of symptoms;

- Other respiratory infections that can present the same symptoms.

Treatment of Asthma in Children

Administration of vaccines during the crisis consists of bronco-dilators and steroids, which must be supplied only by the physician. Sometimes it is necessary to administer oxygen.

Once diagnosed with the disease, the physician has to monitor childhood asthma by reducing the factors that could act as triggers and promote a healthy lifestyle, using the right medicine, and preventing the symptoms which affect the child’s day to day life.

Besides, it is necessary to protect children against irritating elements such as smoke, pollution, etc. because they can cause chronic irritation in the child’s airways. Some studies show that babies born to smoking mothers or living with someone smoking, are more likely to suffer from respiratory infections and asthma.

Jonathan Pitts

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