Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects young and old alike, but almost always begins in childhood. It is also possible to be affected by asthma as an adult, although the chances are very slim. In children, however, the symptoms differ from one child to another.

Asthma occurs when the air passages in the lungs become narrow due to inflammation and partial constriction of the muscles around the small airways. This results in symptoms like wheezing, coughing, short breaths, and chest congestion.

In a study by the World Health Organization, asthma was listed as the most common chronic disease among children. In 2019, asthma affected an estimated 262 million people.

A high percentage of people with asthma start having symptoms from childhood, so it’s advisable to begin managing symptoms in your child to prevent escalation into full-blown asthma.

There are many ways to keep the symptoms under control. We understand that it could get overwhelming along the line, and considering that symptoms of asthma differ per child, you might be lost on clues.
Hence, we compiled a few pointers to help you manage symptoms of asthma in your child adequately.

Avoid triggers
Triggers set off asthma symptoms. For people with asthma, triggers could be dust, smoke, perfumes, overcrowded places, and even certain tiresome activities.
To properly manage symptoms in a child, take note of these triggers and ensure your child is not exposed to any of them. Ensure your surfaces at home are dust-free to prevent accidental inhalation.
Also, make sure your child has a quick-relief inhaler around at all times, to manage cases of unchecked triggers.

Visit the doctor as much as possible
Visit a pulmonary lung doctor regularly. Regular medical examinations will help you detect asthma symptoms, and that will keep your child on the safe side.
Your efforts at controlling the symptoms in your child are headed in the right direction, but you need the attention of a lung specialist doctor to track your progress and point out the things you may have overlooked. Go for regular checks.

Try out regular activities with your child
Putting asthma symptoms under control is one thing. Getting your child’s lungs to work efficiently is another.
With asthma controlled properly, carrying out regular activities should be encouraged, as they aid your child’s lungs to work efficiently.

Use medication
One way to control asthma symptoms is by using medications for your child’s asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly used to give quick relief to asthma attacks.
Make sure your child makes use of it even without having an attack because the inhaler prevents attacks before they occur.

Monitor heartburns
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, known commonly as heartburn, is often a trigger for asthma symptoms.
Do not overlook cases of heartburn, especially when your child has asthma. Take your child to the hospital as soon as you realize that he or she suffers heartburn, or purchase prescription medications to control and dissipate acid reflux.

Control your child’s weight
Asthma symptoms are oftentimes worse in overweight children. Ensure that your child eats healthily, and avoids foods he or she may be allergic to.
Being overweight also puts your child at risk of other health problems, like diabetes.

Conclusion
Asthma symptoms in children can be controlled by continuous observation and medical follow-up. If you need medical attention or advice, feel free to contact us at any time.