Asthma And Its Treatments

What You Need to Know About Asthma and Its Treatments

According to the CDC, more than six million American children suffer from asthma, a condition which causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, which are airways that bring oxygen in and out of the body. It's important for parents to be aware of the symptoms of asthma, and what treatment will be like in the event that their child is diagnosed. Here's what you need to know about asthma and its treatments.

What is Asthma?

For an asthmatic, the affected airways are constantly inflamed and the muscles around them tighten, triggering symptoms. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, "asthma is the most common serious chronic disease in infants and children." Some factors that increase the chances of developing asthma include premature birth and low birth weight, being exposed to tobacco smoke if the mother smokes during pregnancy, and being exposed to tobacco after birth. A family history of allergies or asthma also increases the likelihood that a child will develop asthma.

What are the Symptoms of Asthma?

Asthma symptoms can vary from child to child. The most noticeable symptoms are wheezing, tightness of chest and shortness of breath. Coughing without the other symptoms can also be indicative of asthma, especially when it happens a lot at night or while exercising.If a cough lasts longer than three weeks, take your child to see a doctor; he or she will help you and your child try to identify triggers that are causing symptoms. Often, many of these triggers are similar to those that cause allergy symptoms, so an allergy assessment is often performed. Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma. Further tests may include a peak-flow test or pulmonary function testing. The child may then be referred to an allergist or immunologist for specialized care.

What if My Child has Asthma?

There is no cure for asthma, but medications are typically highly effective in controlling coughing and wheezing, as well as shortness of breath. Many of these medications are administered by metered-dose inhalers (commonly referred to as puffers). Metered-dose inhalers can be used both to prevent and stop asthma attacks. The exact medication your child receives will be based on the grade of asthma your doctor diagnoses. Grades of asthma are intermittent, mild-persistent, moderate-persistent, or severe-persistent.Asthma medications include bronchodilators (commonly referred to as "rescue inhalers"), which are used immediately when an attack starts. (Kids should always have one rescue inhaler at school and one at home.) Corticosteroids may also be used, which are "controller" medications used to reduce the lung inflammation that can lead to an attack.Proper administration is key when using metered-dose inhalers. A device called a spacer can make a significant difference in the medication's effective delivery. If your doctor recommends that your child uses a spacer (which also sometimes feature a mask), you will need to buy one separately from the medication itself. A spacer improves the chances that the medication reaches the child's lungs -- it holds the medicine as a mist and then administers it more slowly than an inhaler on its own.

Continuing Asthma Care

Children with asthma should see their doctor every six months and they should always have an asthma action plan. We know asthma and its treatments can be confusing. Bard & Didriksen is here to help. If your child has asthma and needs an appointment, or you are concerned that he or she may be exhibiting symptoms, contact us today. Our phone number is (618) 692-1212 and we are located at 2160 S. State Route 157, Suite B in Glen Carbon.