Asthma is common in children. On average, about 10% of children would suffer. There are more and more children who get asthma.
One child is more at risk of developing asthma than the other. These are some of the risk factors:
Children do not all show the same symptoms. The symptoms can also differ from person to person. Possible symptoms of asthma in children are:
1. Chronic cough
2. Less energy
3. Breathe quickly
4. Tightness or chest pain
5. Squeaky noise when inhaling and exhaling
6. Contractions of the chest
7. Shortness of breath
8. Tensed neck and neck muscles
9. Feelings of weakness or fatigue
If your child shows these symptoms, even occasionally, medical follow-up is necessary.
The treatment consists, as with adults, of avoiding the triggering factors, the use of medication and the avoidance of smoke. In bronchial asthma attacks, bronchodilators can provide rapid relief. Anti-inflammatory drugs serve as maintenance treatment.
In case of very severe asthma attacks, children sometimes have to be admitted to the hospital. If children with asthma develop a respiratory infection, they should be treated as soon as possible. Discuss the illness of your child at school, only in this way can the teachers take this into account.
What causes asthma in children?
One child is more at risk of developing asthma than the other. These are some of the risk factors:
- Nasal allergies (hay fever) or eczema (allergy of the skin)
- Family history of asthma or allergies
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Low birth weight
- Exposure to smoke before or after birth
Signs and symptoms of asthma in children
Children do not all show the same symptoms. The symptoms can also differ from person to person. Possible symptoms of asthma in children are:
1. Chronic cough
2. Less energy
3. Breathe quickly
4. Tightness or chest pain
5. Squeaky noise when inhaling and exhaling
6. Contractions of the chest
7. Shortness of breath
8. Tensed neck and neck muscles
9. Feelings of weakness or fatigue
If your child shows these symptoms, even occasionally, medical follow-up is necessary.
Treatment asthma in children
The treatment consists, as with adults, of avoiding the triggering factors, the use of medication and the avoidance of smoke. In bronchial asthma attacks, bronchodilators can provide rapid relief. Anti-inflammatory drugs serve as maintenance treatment.
In case of very severe asthma attacks, children sometimes have to be admitted to the hospital. If children with asthma develop a respiratory infection, they should be treated as soon as possible. Discuss the illness of your child at school, only in this way can the teachers take this into account.