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Under 5’ s and Asthma
Asthma affects 1 in 4 children and is the most common cause of hospital admission.
What is asthma?
People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs. When they are exposed to certain triggers, their airways narrow, making it hard for them to breathe.
There are two main factors that cause the airways to become narrow:
• The inside lining of the airways becomes red and swollen( inflammation) and extra mucus( sticky fluid) may be produced.
• The muscle around the airways tightens( bronchial constriction).
When the airways narrow, symptoms of cough, wheeze, shortness of breath or chest tightness may occur. You may have any symptom or a combination of symptoms.
What triggers asthma symptoms?-
• Colds and ' flu( most common trigger in young children)
• Exercise / play;
• Inhaled allergens- e. g. pollens, moulds, animal hair and dust mites;
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• Dust; Cigarette smoke;
• Changes in temperature and weather
• Certain medications( e. g. asprin)
• Chemicals and strong smells;
• Some foods and food preservatives, flavourings and colourings( uncommon);
• Emotions( e. g. laughter)
Every child ' s asthma is different. Not all children will react to every trigger listed above.
What are the main symptoms of asthma in children?
Wheezing( noisy breathing when breathing out); A dry, irritating, persistent cough, particularly at night, early morning or with exercise; Shortness of breath /" tummy " breathing
What leads to the diagnosis of asthma in children?
A pattern of repeated episodes of cough / wheeze or shortness of breath. A persistent cough or " chestiness " that lingers long after a cold or ' flu. Improvement in symptoms after a trial of asthma medications. A family history of asthma or allergy How are asthma medications given to young children?
A puffer and spacer is the best way of delivering asthma medications to children. Those under 3-4 years of
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age need a face mask attached to their spacer while older children may use a large volume spacer with a mouthpiece.
How should I manage my child ' s asthma?
Manage your child ' s asthma by:
• finding a doctor who has a keen interest in asthma
• asking your doctor for a written Asthma Action Plan
• making sure your child uses asthma medications correctly
• avoiding things that make your child ' s asthma worse( triggers)
• knowing your child ' s asthma symptoms and how to treat them
• recognising signs of worsening asthma and following your child ' s action plan
• visiting your child ' s doctor for regular review
• knowing your Asthma First Aid Plan and how to use it
Should I alter my child ' s diet?
Dietary restrictions are usually not necessary unless there is a proven food allergy( e. g. peanuts, eggs). Dairy foods are an important source of calcium for strong bones and teeth. There is no basis for the widely held view that dairy foods increase mucus production in the airways. A healthy balanced diet should include a wide variety of nutritious foods.
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Asthma |