Author - Dr. Pawan Deep Singh, M.B.B.S,DCH,DNB Pediatrics Consultant of Paediatrics

Asthma in Children: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Asthma is a common disease, affecting around 6 million children worldwide. If the disease is left uncontrolled, children may need to be hospitalized. According to Dr Pawan Deep Singh, MBBS, DCH, DNB Paediatrics, however, asthma can be controlled in children. The top paediatrician in Zirakpur can work with you to create an asthma action plan that can help your child do everything other children can do, including sports or other activities.

What is Childhood Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic and long-term lung disease that affects the airways. The airways in your body are tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. When you have asthma, you cannot get air into your lungs because of narrow or swollen airways. This makes it hard for you to breathe and leads to wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. In addition, certain triggers can also worsen the symptoms causing an asthma attack. These attacks can sometimes be life-threatening. Asthma can start at any age, but it often starts during childhood when your child’s immune system is developing. Most children get their first asthma symptom by the age of 5.

Why is Asthma Getting Common in Children?

The top paediatrician in Zirakpur considers the following factors for asthma in children:

1. Exposure to certain allergens including dust, smoke, and air pollution.
2. Weak immune system.
3. Lower rates of breastfeeding.

What are the Causes of Childhood Asthma?

Although the exact cause of asthma is not known, it often occurs due to a weakened immune system. Other factors also influence your child to develop asthma. These include:

1. Genetics: Children are more likely to have asthma whose parents also have asthma.
2. Allergens: Environmental conditions also affect your child including dust or secondhand smoke.
3. Viral infections: Respiratory infections including the common cold also affect your child’s breathing.

What are the Symptoms of Childhood Asthma?

Not all children show the same asthma symptoms as these may vary from episode to episode in the same child. The other symptoms may include:

1. Less energy during active activities.
2. Frequent coughing spells. It may get worse when your child is playing or laughing. It might also occur at night or right after your child wakes up.
3. Rapid breathing or shortness of breath.
4. Chest tightness.
5. A wheezing sound when your child breathes in or out.
6. Retractions.
7. Feelings of weakness or tiredness.
8. Trouble feeding.
9. Irritability.

Apart from this, some symptoms are warning signs of a severe attack, these include:

1. Severe coughing.
2. Serious breathing problems.
3. Turning pale or bluish in their face.
4. Trouble speaking.

How is Childhood Asthma Treated?

The top paediatrician in Zirakpur creates an asthma action plan. This plan details the ways to manage your child’s symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. The plan includes:

1. When and how your child should use asthma medications.
2. What to do when the asthma gets worse.
3. When to seek emergency care for your child.

You need to understand the plan thoroughly and get your doubts cleared by the paediatrician. In addition, make sure that you have this action plan handy with you. You can also give a copy of this plan to your child’s school staff. Take necessary precautions and limit your child’s exposure to asthma triggers to avoid worsening of the condition. Asthma can be treated with necessary precautions, medications, and a proper action plan. You can work directly with your paediatrician to discuss your doubts and provide solutions. Consult Dr Pawan Deep Singh at the Motherhood Hospitals. At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Gynaecologist in Chandigarh. Do take an appointment with the best Gynaecologist in Chandigarh at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Pawan Deep Singh, please book your appointment here