How Do I Know If My Child Has Asthma?
Eastern Tennessee is rich in history and natural wonders just ready for exploration- from its thousands of trails, campsites, secret and not-so-secret fishing spots- if you love the outdoors, it’s got it all! There are even hidden spots to explore such as the abandoned quarry, the Eagle’s Nest, with its eerie dilapidated stone eagles tucked away on Lookout Mountain. Perhaps hiking and adventuring with your child is the highlight of your summers but recently they have expressed minor breathing difficulties cropping up. You aren’t ready to stop adventuring, but you are a bit concerned that they may have developed asthma. How do you know if it’s asthma?
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects people of all ages and often manifests during childhood. Understanding the signs and symptoms of asthma in children is crucial for early detection and management. Asthma is a complex condition with various triggers, symptoms, and risk factors, making it essential for parents and caregivers to be vigilant.
Asthma causes inflammation of the airways. When a person’s airways become sensitive to something in the indoor or outdoor environment it triggers a response causing the linings of the airways to swell. The surrounding muscles tighten, and the airways begin to produce mucus that is thicker than normal, narrowing the airways and leading to difficulty breathing. Symptoms can vary in severity and may be triggered by a range of factors, including pollen, dust, chemical fumes, mold, pet dander, weather changes, respiratory infections, exercise, and environmental factors like air pollution and tobacco smoke. Identifying these triggers can help manage symptoms and prevent asthma flare-ups in children. A family history of asthma or allergies or being overweight increases a child’s likelihood of developing asthma. Understanding these risk factors can aid in identifying children who may be more susceptible to developing asthma.
Asthma symptoms in children:
- Chest tightness
- Coughing, especially at night or early morning
- Breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or gasping for air
- Low energy
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Being irritable
- Wheezing, which causes a whistling sound on exhale
- Frequent chest colds
- Trouble eating or sucking (in infants)
Recognizing the signs of asthma in children is crucial for early intervention as symptoms can easily be dismissed as common childhood ailments. Coughing and wheezing are common symptoms of asthma but can also occur due to respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia. Shortness of breath and chest tightness may be mistaken for anxiety or physical exertion. Such similarities prove the importance of awareness and a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional.
How is Asthma Diagnosed?
Diagnosing asthma in children can be challenging, particularly in younger age groups. The first step toward an asthma diagnosis is an overall health evaluation. In addition to evaluating symptoms, healthcare providers may conduct diagnostic tests to assess lung function and airway responsiveness.
Tests include:
- Spirometry- A spirometer checks lung function typically starting around age 5.
- Peak flow monitoring- A peak flow meter measures the amount of air a child can blow out of the lungs. This is particularly helpful in older children.
- Chest X-rays- X-rays can allow the doctor to see what is going on inside the body and help rule out other conditions that present like asthma, but which may appear normal if the child has asthma.
- Allergy tests- Allergy tests can help identify asthma triggers but are not themselves diagnostic of asthma.
These tests can all help confirm a diagnosis of asthma and determine the severity of the condition. Doctors may prescribe asthma medication to observe its effect on symptom improvement as part of the diagnostic process.
How is Asthma Managed?
Once diagnosed, the management of asthma in children typically involves a combination of medications and environmental control measures. This may include identifying and avoiding allergens that trigger asthma attacks along with measures to improve indoor air quality such as using air purifiers and maintaining a clean environment. Potential medications needed include quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) to relieve acute symptoms and long-term control medications (such as inhaled corticosteroids) to reduce airway inflammation and prevent flare-ups. Parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers need to work together to develop an asthma action plan that addresses the child’s specific needs and ensures prompt and appropriate management of symptoms. Children allergic to air pollution may benefit from indoor sports, while those sensitive to chilly air may prefer summer activities, but overall, regular physical activity is beneficial for children with asthma as it helps maintain a healthy weight and improves lung capacity.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of asthma, obtaining an accurate diagnosis, and implementing appropriate treatment and environmental control measures are essential for optimizing the health and well-being of children with asthma. Despite an asthma diagnosis, children who benefit from proper management and support can lead active and fulfilling lives, including sports participation, while minimizing the impact of their condition on their daily activities.
Are you not sure how to address your child’s asthma attacks? Visit AFC Urgent Care Hixson today, or walk into our office any day of the week for quality care.