It’s a sunny afternoon, and you’re watching your child and his friends scurry around in a game of tag. Your child, however, isn’t laughing or having fun. Instead, he’s hunched over, hands on knees, relentlessly coughing and struggling to catch his breath.
“Coughing and wheezing are tell-tale signs a child may be suffering from asthma,” said Wilfredo Veloira Jr., MD, Pediatric Pulmonologist with Avera Pediatric Specialists. “The signs of asthma appear during the first year of life, when parents may notice excessive coughing, abnormal breathing and wheezing.”
What Is Asthma?
In the U.S. alone, 7 million children under the age of 18 have asthma. That’s about one in 10 children. Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the airways narrow, swell and become irritated in response to various stimuli. Not only do the muscles surrounding the airways tighten, but excess mucus clogs the airways further — making breathing very difficult.
Asthma Symptoms
The result is an asthma attack, characterized by coughing, a wheezing or whistling sound, and chest tightness. (If your child is having difficulty breathing, but doesn’t have a treatment plan to manage the symptoms, get medical help immediately.)
Causes of an Asthma Attack
A wide range of factors can cause an asthma attack. “Common triggers include viral and bacterial infections, tobacco smoke, strong odors, cold air and allergens such as molds, grass, pollen and pets,” listed Veloira. “Exercise and even emotions can induce an asthma attack in those with very sensitive airways.”
Viral infections can make their way into the lungs, irritating the airway structures and triggering an attack. Or, like exercise, heavy breathing during a practice or difficult drill can cause bronchospasm resulting in shortness of breath, cough and wheezing.
Treatments Options for Asthma
The best way to manage asthma is through medication and eliminating exposure to allergens and airborne irritants.
In general, there are two categories of asthma medications: fast-acting medications that relieve asthma attacks and long-term medications that help control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks from occurring. Preventive medications are typically delivered through an inhaler or nebulizer.
“The goal of these medications is to prevent airway inflammation and hyper-reactivity,” explained Veloira.
Another way you and your child can support lung health is getting the flu shot and complete immunizations.
How Do We Know Asthma Is Being Handled Well?
When asthma is handled well, your child will:
- Experience no coughing, wheezing or other respiratory symptoms
- Not miss school due to respiratory symptoms
- Not have a need for a rescue inhaler
- Be able to participate in exercise, sports or daily activities without asthma symptoms
Does Asthma Eventually Go Away?
Asthma cannot be cured; we can only control it.
“If your child is experiencing recurrent or chronic cough, wheezing or shortness of breath we are happy to see them,” said Veloira. The goal of asthma treatment is to help children live a normal life without respiratory symptoms.
If you’re concerned about asthma, schedule an appointment with your family medicine doctor or a pediatric pulmonologist. You don’t need a referral for a specialist.
