Children and Asthma

WHAT IS ASTHMA?

Asthma is a disease that causes the airways of the lungs to be very sensitive to things they are allergic to or irritants. The symptoms start when allergens and/or irritants cause the lining of the airways to swell and narrow. This is what causes the weezing in many asthmatics. the muscles in the airway contract and narrow even more. Then, when mucus begins to clog the airways; this is called an asthma attack. In order to prevent your asthma syptoms, it is a good idea to keep track of what you are allergic to and try to avoid those things as much as possible. Also, speak with your doctor about any medicine or treatments that will help control your asthma. (http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/asthma/basics/014.html)

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE ASTHMA?

Well have you ever heard your child coughing constantly? Weezing or having trouble breathing? If you have then chances are your child is an asthmatic. These syptoms tend to worsen whenever your child excercises or becomes sick. The best thing to do is to visit your doctor immediately to find the cause of these symptoms in your child; your doctor will try to find other reasons for the symptoms before diagnosing Asthma.

To help your child avoid an Asthma attack you should keep him or her away from triggers, also known as allergens, and irritants. Some examples of triggers and irritants are, air pollution, dust, mold, pollen, and Tobacco smoke etc. Since children are usually very active parents need to try alternatives in order to decrease the rate of Asthma attacks their children experience. For instance you can use the air conditioner instead of open windows and frequently change the filter on your heating and cooling system, in order to control the amount of pollen and mold your child is exposed to.

HOW SERIOUS IS MY CHILDS ASTHMA?

It is sometimes hard to tell considering the fact that many children are either born with Asthma or develop it later on in life. However, when you discover that your child does have Asthma then, you should have your child use a peak flow meter. A peak flow meter will help you measure the amount of air that flows out of your childs lungs. Asthmatics have a lower air flow in and out of their lungs than that of other people. This measuring scale will help you see the problems in your childs air flow before any symptoms of Asthma occur. This peak flow meter is also helpful when your doctor concludes the seriousness of the Asthma attack.

(http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/asthma/kids/219.html)

For more information click the link below: (http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/asthma.html)