What is Asthma
What causes childhood asthma?
Researchers continue to learn what causes asthma. It is not fully understood. The
following things play a part:
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Genetics. Asthma runs in families.
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Allergies. Some allergies are more common in people with asthma. Allergies also tend to run
in families.
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Respiratory infections. Infants and young children who have some respiratory infections are more likely to
have long-term lung problems.
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Environmental factors. Irritants such as pollution and allergens are known to cause asthma.
What causes asthma symptoms to get worse (flare-ups)?
Triggers are those things that cause asthma symptoms to get worse or cause asthma
flare-ups. Each child has different triggers. A very important part of asthma management
is identifying triggers—and then trying to stay away from them. Asthma triggers include:
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Allergens such as pollen, dust, and pets
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Upper respiratory infections such as colds or the flu
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Inhaled irritants such as secondhand smoke
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Certain weather conditions such as cold air
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Exercise or physical activity
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Emotions such as crying, laughing, or yelling
Do children outgrow asthma?
How asthma will affect a child throughout their lifetime varies.
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Many infants and toddlers may wheeze when sick with a viral illness, such as cold
or flu. But most of these children don't get asthma later in life.
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Some children with persistent wheezing and asthma usually get better during the teen
years.
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About half of the children who have asthma at a young age seem to outgrow it. But
asthma symptoms may come back later in life.
If my child has asthma, can they take part in sports and activities?
Exercise such as long-distance running may trigger a flare-up in many children with
asthma. But with correct management, a child with asthma can fully take part in most
sports. Aerobic exercise actually improves airway function by strengthening breathing
muscles. Some tips for exercising with asthma include:
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Teach your child to breathe through the nose and not the mouth. This helps to warm
and humidify the air before it enters the airways.
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During cold weather, have your child wear a scarf over their mouth and nose to warm
inhaled air.
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Give your child asthma medicine before exercising, as recommended by their healthcare
provider. If your child is not already on controller medicine and they exercise daily,
the provider may recommend daily controller medicine.
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Have your child carry their quick-relief inhaler medicine.
Asthma and school
Some children with asthma may need to take their medicines during school hours. It's
important that you and your child work with the healthcare provider and school staff to
meet your child's asthma treatment goals. Laws about students carrying rescue inhalers
vary by state. Make sure you understand the laws. Make sure that your child knows
when and how to use their inhaler. For the best asthma care for your child at school,
the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends the following:
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Meet with teachers and other relevant school staff to tell them about your child's
condition, special needs, and asthma management plan.
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Educate school personnel on your child's asthma medicines and how to help during an
asthma flare-up.
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Ask school staff to treat your child as normal as possible when the asthma is under
control.
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Before starting a physical education class or a team sport, make sure the teacher
or coach understands that exercise can trigger asthma symptoms.
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Talk with teachers and school administrators about indoor air quality, allergens,
and irritants in the school.
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Ensure your child's emotional well-being by reassuring that asthma doesn't have to
slow them down or make them different from other children.
Controlling asthma through the years
Be honest with your child about asthma. As your child grows, remember that independence
is an important goal. Children with asthma don't want to be different. But they need
guidance and supervision.
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Toddlers. This age group relies completely on the parents. These children understand little
about asthma. The most important factor with this age group is to try to make medicine
time fun. But you must also stress the importance of taking the medicines. Let children help
in any way possible.
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School-age. These children are more able to understand asthma. They should be taught about their
medicines and how to stay away from their triggers. They should begin to watch their
own symptoms.
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Teens. Often, teens resist taking long-term (chronic) medicines. They also don't like restrictions
and don't want to be different. Involve teens in every part of asthma management. They
should help with goal setting and help decide which medicines work best. An asthma
care contract can be used. It should allow for teen self-care while allowing overall
parental supervision.
Having asthma doesn't mean having less fun than other teens. It is important for your
teen to tell their friends about their triggers.
Always talk with your child's healthcare provider if you or your child has questions
or concerns.
Online Medical Reviewers:
- Allen J Blaivas DO
- Amy Finke RN BSN
- Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN