Diagnosis And Causes Of Asthma In Childhood
Asthma in childhood is a very common condition. In fact, it is the most common chronic disease among children. Current estimates indicate that it affects between 5 and 15% of the child population, and its incidence is gradually increasing.
Asthma is a disease that is characterized by inflammation of the airways. Thus, it leads to difficulty breathing which manifests itself through coughing, suffocation and wheezing when trying to breathe in and out. This condition is often related to allergies. This is the reason why it is one of the reasons why more and more children have it. For example, it is common for an asthmatic child to also be allergic to pollen or dust mites.
In today’s article, we explain the most common causes of childhood asthma along with the symptoms. Furthermore , we explain how doctors diagnose it, since it is very important to distinguish it from other diseases in order to prescribe adequate treatment.
What is childhood asthma?
Childhood asthma, as we mentioned above, consists of inflammation of the child’s airways. Thus, the air meets more resistance as it enters and leaves the lungs. This condition usually appears as a crisis.
Most children with childhood asthma have their first seizure before the age of four. What is happening here is that even though the inflammation in the airways remains there, it is getting worse during these crises. Then the symptoms also worsen.
Symptoms
This condition usually manifests itself as strained breathing and tightness in the chest. Children with this condition often have coughing fits. These tend to worsen when there is an infection or cold or when a child is under stress.
There will also be wheezing while the child tries to breathe. It usually sounds like a whistle. However, know that everyone is different, so the symptoms vary from child to child.
In total, there are two main seasons for childhood asthma due to its association with allergies:
- The most sensitive time for these children is the beginning of autumn and the school year. This is due to the temperature changes.
- There are several asthma attacks during the spring. This is mainly due to the increase in pollen in the environment, one of the most common allergens affecting the population.
Complications
Although most children only suffer from the symptoms mentioned above, some of them may experience complications. Asthma in childhood often leads to sleep problems. This is due to strained breathing.
Respiratory infections also take longer to heal. Children with asthma are also usually more tired and have problems with simple activities such as playing and running around.
Diagnosis of asthma in childhood
Asthma in children is difficult to diagnose, especially in children under 5 years. This is either because there are other conditions with similar symptoms, or because they concern asthma – such as rhinitis, bronchiolitis or sinusitis.
Some tests can help a doctor with the diagnosis. A spirometry allows them, for example, to evaluate lung function. If this test is unclear, they use an exhaled nitric oxide test instead.
Conclusion
Asthma in childhood is a fairly common disease with several causes and risk factors. In addition, genetics play an important role along with stress, colds, allergies, etc.
It is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Therefore, it is important to describe the symptoms in detail to your doctor so that they can perform the necessary tests. Then you can get the right treatment for your child and prevent it from getting worse.
