What Causes Asthma?
Asthma can be caused by several factors. The most common cause of asthma is allergies. When your child is exposed to an allergen, your child’s airways will narrow, causing difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. Other causes of asthma include:
- Exercise and physical activity
- Respiratory infections
- Smoke, perfume, smog, and other air irritants
Signs and Symptoms of Asthma in Children
If your child is an infant or toddler, the signs and symptoms of asthma can be more difficult to recognize. Your child may have asthma if your child is:
- Taking longer to feed
- Having breathing difficulties while feeding
- Becoming quickly fatigued
If your child is older, your child may have asthma if your child is:
- Wheezing and coughing frequently
- Having breathing difficulty when active
- Experiencing chronic episodes of bronchitis
Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma
Your pediatrician can test your child’s lung function to determine whether your child has asthma, and how severe it is. Treatment of asthma typically consists of:
- Short-term rescue inhalers to relieve an asthma attack
- Long-term asthma medications to control asthma
Prevention of an Asthma Attack
The best way to prevent an asthma attack is to minimize exposure to what triggers your child’s asthma. Your pediatrician may recommend allergy testing to find out if your child’s asthma is triggered by allergies. You should also minimize triggers in your child’s environment, including at home. It’s important to:
- Vacuum and dust frequently
- Use hypoallergenic pillowcases and sheets
- Wash pillowcases and sheets often
- Install a HEPA filter in your child’s bedroom
- Keep pets off of furniture and out of your child’s bedroom
When Asthma Becomes an Emergency
An asthma attack can be life-threatening, so you need to call 911 if your child is:
- Unable to speak due to breathing difficulties
- Turning pale due to inadequate oxygen
- Experiencing labored breathing