One of the commonest chronic conditions found in children is asthma. Based on the survey report, the number of children with asthma has found to be increasing in the last ten years. Childhood asthma is more prevalent with in age group of 5-17. The rate has found to be decreasing as the age progresses. It is counted as the third cause of hospitalization among children below 15 years old. As like adults with asthma, asthmatic problems in children should also be dealt seriously. The causes of asthma are same as in adults and include respiratory infections, narrowing of respiratory track, airborne allergens and second hand smoke. The chance of developing childhood asthma is more if mother use to smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day during pregnancy period. Consulting an expert is necessary and they should undergo treatments like taking allergic spectrum and to avoid contacting materials that can cause allergy. Taking medicines to control the symptoms is also necessary.
Help from parents and caregivers are needed to avoid asthma attack in young children. Measures to be taken to avoid such problems should be taught to older children so that they manage the situation by themselves with less supervision. Medicines in small dosages than those given to adults are preferred to children. They should take quick relief inhalers and daily medicines to control asthma. A peak flow meter is used to control asthma and children should be taught to use it. It is necessary in case of children as they have hard time to describe their symptoms.
Signs of asthma in children include frequent cold, coughing at night, wheezing and some other symptoms like restlessness, chest tightness and difficulty to perform muscular activities. Parents should be alert to such symptoms and have to consult an expert very soon. Control measures have to be started very early to prevent worsening. Proper check up and tests should be undergone as part of treatment. The doctor will choose medicines and other preventive measures based on the child and symptoms shown. Regular follow ups are necessary for controlling the symptoms and the parents should check whether the child is taking medicines an time and in correct dosage. |
