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Common symptoms include constant and /or intermediate coughing, wheezing (whistling sounds while exhaling), shortness of breathe, or rapid breathing. |
Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the bronchial airways. The inflammation causes the normal function of the airways to become excessive and overactive, producing increased mucous, mucosal swelling and muscle contraction. These changes produce airway obstruction, coughing, wheezing and tightness in the chest. More severe cases include shortness of breathe and low blood oxygen.
Inflammation of airways is common in all asthma patients. This inflammation is almost always the cause of the asthmatic condition. Inflammation is commonly caused by allergies, viral repertory infection and various other air borne irritants.
More than 50% of all asthma cases in the United States can be attributed to allergic reaction. Allergic reactions produce both immediate and delayed reactions. Approximately half of the immediate allergic reactions to inhaled allergens are followed by a delayed reaction. This delayed reaction produces the more serious inflammation and injury. |
Facts on childhood asthma.
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**Any child who has frequent coughing or repertory infections (bronchitis or pneumonia) should be evaluated for asthma.**
FACT: Asthma is the leading and most chronic illness in children in America, affecting more than 7 million children under age 18.
FACT: Asthma is a life threatening disease if not properly managed.
FACT: Asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under 15.
FACT: Asthma is the leading cause of absenteeism from schools.
FACT: Asthma costs the healthcare industry approximately 19 billion annually, and another 6 billion in prescription drug costs.
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Even though asthma cannot be cured, it can almost always be controlled.
The better you understand asthma, the better you can control the disease. |
What to look for. |
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Night cough |
Pursed lips |
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Scared look |
Unusual sweating
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Fast breathing |
Flared nostrils when child breathes |
What to listen for. |
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Coughing without a cold |
Clearing throat constantly |
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Wheezing |
Irregular breathing |
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Loud noisy breathing |
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Common Triggers for Asthma |
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EXCERCIZE - Running can trigger an episode in over 80% of children with asthma. Swimming seems to be the least provoking exercise. |
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INFECTIONS - Respiratory infections including flu, frequently trigger severe episodes of asthma. |
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ALLERGY - Allergic children suffer reactions to ordinarily harmless material such as, pollen, mold, dust mites, feathers, roaches, cats, and certain types of foods. |
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IRRITANTS - Cigarette smoke, air pollution, strong odors, and paint fumes are a few substances that irritate the upper airways. |
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WEATHER - Breathing cold air provokes asthma in most children with asthma. |
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EMOTIONS - Emotional stress can trigger asthma, with symptoms noticeable after crying, laughing, or yelling. Anxiety or panic can have an effect. |
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