Generally, asthma is an inherited disease. “Attacks may be triggered when an allergic or irritating substance enters the lungs,” explains Dr. DiRenzo-Coffey. “The lining of the airway will then begin to swell and produce mucus, making it difficult for a child to breathe.”
According to Dr. DiRenzo-Coffey, asthma should not prevent a child from taking part in normal day-to-day activities. “When the proper precautions are taken, children with asthma can participate in gym class, play almost any sport, and even attend school during mild asthma attacks,” she says.
“There are many home treatments available to children with asthma,” says Dr. DiRenzo-Coffey. “A child’s physician will prescribe the treatment best suited to a child.” Types of treatment include:
- Asthma inhaler - A metered-does inhaler designed to resume normal breathing. For children over age four.
- Asthma nebulizer - A breathing machine that delivers medication to the lungs.
- Oral steroids or other asthma medicine - Oral medication that some children need in addition to inhaled medicines.
- Continuous asthma medicine - Daily medication that allows children with severe asthma to engage in normal activities. Used by children with severe asthma that experience three or more attacks per week, asthma flare-ups that last several days, emergency room care despite proper use of an inhaler, asthma triggered by pollen.
The most common trigger of asthma in young children is the common cold. However, many asthma attacks can be prevented. “Parents need to learn what substances trigger their child’s attacks so they can work to avoid those situations,” says Dr. DiRenzo-Coffey.
“Second-hand smoke is the most offensive substance a child with asthma can be exposed to,” explains Dr. DiRenzo-Coffey. “It is inevitable that a child with asthma who is exposed to smoke will experience more attacks, take more medication, and need more emergency room care.”
Other triggers of asthma include:
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Household dust
- Dirty heating or air conditioning filters
- Vigorous exercising in cold or polluted air
If wheezing does not disappear within five days or you have questions or concerns about your child’s asthma, talk with his or her physician during office hours. However, contact a physician immediately if your child experiences:
- Severe wheezing
- Breathing that is difficult or tight
- Wheezing that doesn’t improve after a second dose of inhaled asthma medication
- A need to use an inhaler more than every four hours
