Can a Child Have Asthma?

Asthma attack falls into 3 different degrees - mild, moderate and severe. Signs and symptoms of asthma are dependent on the degree of the attack. Every child manifests different symptoms which are triggered by various factors. Statistics showed that child asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalization among children and its prevalence is on the rise. On the average about 1 out of 10 children has asthma and it is considered as one of the most common chronic illness affecting the respiratory system.

Asthma is known to be a chronic respiratory disorder which results from constricted and tightened bronchi. Bronchi are passage airways in the respiratory tract responsible for the conduction of air in the lungs. Although no gas exchange takes place here, obstructed bronchi will result to insufficient air flow in the lungs. The insufficient flow of air induces the manifestation of the sign and symptoms of asthma.

The development of child asthma is being linked to several risk factors. These risk factors predispose the child to acquire asthma. Some of the common and known risk factors which have a direct influence for asthma development include allergies; familial history of asthma; frequent respiratory infections; exposure to second-hand smoke; low birth weight; smoking during pregnancy and living in highly industrialized areas.

Unfortunately, asthma is considered incurable, available medical treatments are not intended to cure it but rather control it. Doctors will often prescribe two forms of asthma medications: bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs. Bronchodilator drugs relax the muscle of the airways. It is also the first-line of treatment when having an asthma attack. It usually comes in the form of inhalers and serves as quick-acting drugs to immediately dilate the distressed bronchi and relieve asthma symptoms. The anti-inflammatory drugs are responsible for reducing the inflammation in the bronchi. A comprehensive asthma management plan comes with these medications.