|
For Patients & Families:
|
|
Asthma
|
What is asthma?
- Asthma is a chronic (recurring) disorder caused by inflammation (swelling) of the airways.
- Inflammation in the lungs makes it difficult for air to flow through the lungs.
- Inflammation can also make air passages more sensitive to things that can trigger asthma.
What happens during an asthma attack?
- Air passages in the lungs become swollen, narrow and produce thick mucous.
- Muscles around the airways become tight
- The tightening of the muscles, called bronchospasm, causes airways to become more narrow.
|
|
|
|
- Coughing (for some children, coughing is the only symptom)
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Wheezing
|
- Breathing changes or coughing
- Feeling tired
- Trouble sleeping
- Less energy for exercise
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Chin or throat itchiness
- Lower peak flow meters numbers
|
|
Each child's symptoms are different. The early warning signs of asthma are important to know and watch for. This will help you be aware that an asthma episode may be developing and seek medical care if necessary.
|
|
|
Two types of triggers can make your child's asthma worse: irritants and allergies.
Irritants are substances that bother the nose, throat, or airway. Common irritants include:
- Cigarette smoke - It is important that no one smokes in the home or car with a child who has asthma.
- Strong smells - Avoid aerosol sprays, perfumes and strong smelling cleaning solutions in your home. Try to clean when your child is not home.
- Colds - Teach your child to wash her hands often. Many children with asthma should get the flu shot every year. Check with your child's doctor to see if this is right for your child.
|
|
|
Some common allergies include:
- Pets - Keep furry or feathered animals out of the home.
- Pests (mice, cockroaches) - Keep the kitchen clean and all food in closed containers. A professional exterminator is the best way to control household pests.
- Dust mites - Wash bedding in hot water. Remove stuffed animals and toys from your child's bed. Try to dust and vacuum once a week while the child is not in the room. It may be helpful to put mite-proof covers on mattresses and pillows.
- Mold - Mold growth can be found on bathroom tiles, in basements and outdoors in soil, leaves, and compost piles. Diluted household bleach or Lysol can be used when cleaning to prevent mold build-up. Using dehumidifiers regularly will help prevent mold growth in your home. Avoid plants, aquariums and humidifiers in your child's room.
- Pollen - Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen seasons and use air conditioning with a filter that can be cleaned often. Shower and wash hair after being outside for a long time.
|
|
|
|
Many children with asthma have allergies, which can make their asthma worse. In children with allergies, the immune system becomes sensitive to things called allergens. Exposure to these allergens increases inflammation (swelling) in the airways, and can cause asthma symptoms. Ongoing inflammation of the airways causes the airways to be more sensitive to triggers.
If you suspect that your child has allergies, talk to your child's doctor or nurse about a referral to see an allergy specialist. A specialist can tell you exactly what your child is allergic to so that you can know what things your child should avoid.
|
|
|
Severe asthma symptoms require immediate attention and can be a life threatening emergency. If you see them in your child, seek emergency treatment immediately. Some examples of severe symptoms are:
- Severe coughing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and/or wheezing
- Difficulty talking
- Breathing hard and fast
- Nasal flaring
- Hunched shoulders
- Chest and neck muscles pull in when your child breathes
- Lips or fingernails turn gray or blue
|
|
|
|
Asthma is not the same in every person. For some, symptoms are mild, while for others they can be very serious. There is no cure for asthma, but symptoms almost always can be controlled and your child can lead a normal, active life.
Things you can do to best control your child's asthma:
|
|
|
- Regular check-ups with your child's doctor or nurse are very important, even if you think your child has been symptom-free. Your child's doctor/nurse is your partner in controlling your child's asthma. Remember to tell them about any changes in your child's home, school, activities, or overall health.
- Be sure your child takes all medications prescribed for her asthma. There are two types of asthma medicines:
|
|
|
- Follow a written asthma management plan written by you and your child's doctor or nurse. It should tell what medications to give your child to keep her asthma under control. It also should tell what to do when your child's asthma worsens, including what medications to give and when to contact your child's doctor and/or go to the emergency room.
- Monitor your child's asthma with a peak flow meter. Children approximately 6 years and older can tell how well their lungs are working by using a peak flow meter. This easy-to-use plastic tool measures how well air flows from the lungs. By breathing once into the device, blowing out as hard and as quickly as possible, you can measure the lungs' current capacity. Ask your doctor or nurse if a peak flow meter should be part of your child's asthma management plan.
- Identify your child's triggers. Everyone's asthma triggers are different so it can be difficult to determine exactly what your child's triggers are. Your child's doctor may refer her to an allergy specialist for testing. You can learn how to help your child avoid triggers once you know what things in your home, in your child's school, and outdoors make her asthma worse.
|
Please keep in mind that the text provided is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment.
Children's Hospital Boston©, 2005. This page may be reproduced for educational purposes. Reprint permission is required for all other uses.
|
|
|
