Cough Vs Childhood Asthma

Although asthma can cause absences from school or play dates, a little planning and management can be the ounce of prevention that helps keep kids happy, well and active.

According to the American Lung Association, asthma is the most common chronic condition in kids, affecting 6.1 million school-age children annually.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms are similar to a lingering common cold with a nagging cough. The key is to know asthma signs, which include:

• Fatigue
• Frequent coughing that worsens when your child is sick, sleeping or exposed to cold air
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble breathing during play or exercise
• Trouble sleeping due to coughing or wheezing
• Wheezing

The first step in diagnosing asthma is to have your child see a pediatrician for a complete examination, including measuring lung function with a peak flow meter. Several factors may cause asthma, so a physician may ask about family medical history, your child's recent illnesses, second-hand smoke exposure or contact with potential allergens (e.g., mold, pet dander or pollen).

Treatment

Once the physician determines an asthma diagnosis, treatment options vary depending upon the severity of the disease. Patients might be referred to a pulmonologist or allergist for lung function or allergy skin testing. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the most prescribed medications for asthma in children include:

• Inhaled corticosteroids: These medications are prescribed for the long-term management and maintenance of asthma symptoms.
• Long-acting beta-agonists: These medications are prescribed with inhaled corticosteroids as an additional form of preventive care against asthma attacks.
• Leukotriene modifiers: These oral medications are prescribed to treat allergies that may trigger asthma flare-ups.
• Immunomodulators: These allergy injections may help prevent asthma problems in those whose asthma is not controlled well by inhaled corticosteroids.
• Short-acting bronchodilators: These inhaled medications deemed "rescue inhalers" are fast-acting for immediate relief during an asthma attack.

Prevention

Although asthma isn't curable, it is a treatable and manageable disease. With medication and minor lifestyle changes for both parents and children, kids can have more days to learn and play without flare-ups.

• Change air filters regularly.
• Dust and vacuum often to keep dust particles out of the air.
• Eat more asthma-friendly foods that can help reduce symptoms. Foods high in vitamins A, B6 and C— such as avocados, oranges, apples, broccoli and spinach—can lower the release of histamines and help decrease the risk of flare-ups. Bananas can ease breathing and can reduce the chance of developing asthmatic symptoms.
• Encourage hand-washing so common colds don't turn into asthma flare-ups.
• Exercise to build lung strength and capacity. Some activities, such as walking, baseball, softball, golf or gymnastics, may be better suited for kids with asthma.
• Keep an asthma journal. Track when symptoms arise, what triggers an attack and how long it lasts.
• Keep pet dander to a minimum. Frequent bathing and grooming of pets and vacuuming away pet hair can help.
• Share the information with your child's physician to help develop a more thorough care plan and avoid future asthma attacks.

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