Asthma

What is Asthma? 

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways of the lungs. The airways, which are responsible for the flow of air in and out of the lungs, become inflamed and narrow at times, making it difficult for the patient to breathe. It’s a chronic respiratory condition characterized by the airways’ inflammation, leading to airway hyperresponsiveness and recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. 

People with asthma have swelling inside the airways of their lungs, and during an asthma flare-up, the inflammation worsens and extra mucus is produced, further reducing the amount of air that can enter and exit the lungs. This increased sensitivity of the airways to various triggers such as viruses, allergens, pollutants, and emotions can lead to asthma symptoms. The muscles surrounding the airways may also become tight, causing even more breathing difficulty, known as an asthma episode or "attack."  

Following an asthma attack, the person may feel tired and fatigued and risk experiencing another flare-up within the next few days. 

Effective asthma management involves identifying and avoiding triggers, using appropriate medications, and adopting a personalized asthma action plan to monitor and control symptoms. 

Symptoms in Children? 

• Breathing issues (Shortness of breath/ rapid breathing) 
• Chest tightness or congestion 

Coughing frequently is known to worsen during viral infections, sleep, physical exercise, and exposure to cold environments. 

Asthma symptoms can vary between children and may change over time, either improving or worsening. A child may experience a single symptom, such as coughing or chest tightness. The persistent and bothersome symptoms of childhood asthma can disrupt a child's daily activities, including play, sports, school, and sleep. In severe cases, uncontrolled asthma can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks. 

Causes 

When exposed to particular triggers or extremely cold air, the airways and lungs of asthmatic children easily swell up in inflammation. Pollen contact, dust particles, and respiratory infections like the cold or flu are examples of such triggers.  

When Must You Visit A Doctor? 

Child or baby asthma is not different from adult asthma, but children experience unique challenges. The condition contributes to emergency room visits, hospitalisations, and school absences. Unfortunately, childhood asthma has no permanent cure, and symptoms can last well into adulthood. However, with suitable treatment, the kid and the family can keep symptoms under control. 

Set up a consultation with the doctor at the earliest if the following sign(s) comes into notice: 

• Constant coughing and chest tightness.  

• Intermittent coughing during physical activity.  
• Breathing in and out accompanied by a wheezing or whistling sounds  
• Breath shortness or rapid breathing.  
• Recurring episodes of acute bronchitis or pneumonia. 
• Unable to sleep due to coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. 
• Episodes of coughing or wheezing that worsen with a cold or the flu. 
• Bronchitis or delayed recovery after a chest or  
• Breathing issues hamper playing or activity. 

In extreme cases, parents can notice the child's chest and sides pulling inward when breathing becomes tough. As a result, the child can experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat, and sweating. Get your child emergency help if they: 

• Cannot continue without pausing to catch his breath. 
• Is the child breathing by contracting the abdominal muscles? 
• Has expanded nostrils when inhaling. 
• Is struggling to breathe so hard that each breath causes the stomach to be sucked up beneath the ribs. 

If you have concerns about your child's or baby's symptoms, it is always best to consult your paediatrician. However, if required or concerned, kindly make an appointment with us at 02 8069 2127. 

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