After seeing how my little niece was suffering from another asthma attack, I decided to write this post as many other children and even adults are also fighting this uncomfortable respiratory condition.
Asthma is a condition that can make it hard to breathe. It is very uncomfortable and even distressing for certain kids. Asthma attacks happen when the muscles around the airways tighten, and the lining of the airways gets inflamed. Then, mucus builds up. All of this makes it hard to breathe.
The following Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe:
Wheezing, or noisy breathing
Coughing, often at night or early in the morning, or when you exercise
A tight feeling in the chest
Trouble breathing
To treat your asthma, your doctor can order different types of medicines like inhalers, liquids, or pills based on your child’s age and his or her symptoms.
Quick-relief medicines stop the symptoms quickly but they should only be used once in a while. It is very important to report to your provider if the symptoms come back quickly, or do not get better.
Long-term controller medicines control asthma and prevent future symptoms
Almost all children with asthma use an inhaler with a device called a “spacer.” Some children also need a machine called a “nebulizer” to breathe in their medicine.
It is very important that you give your child all the medicines the doctor prescribes. You might worry about giving a child a lot of medicine. But leaving your child’s asthma untreated has much bigger risks than any risks the medicines might have.
As a parent, you should know the medicines your child should use at home each day and the warning symptoms or triggers
Some common triggers that can exacerbate an asthma attack include: getting sick with a cold or the flu, some allergens, cigarette smoke, exercise, and changes in weather, cold air, hot and humid air.
Sometimes, asthma gets better as children get older. The important thing is to know the triggers and follow an action plan.
I have a little asthmatic lad at home and it can be a very frightening experience for both my son and us as parents. Very important to get the message out to others so they can be prepared and know the warning signs!
That is so true, Sara!
Yes to everything you say here! I have asthma (adult onset) as does my 6yo. Recently when we visited a friend’s house for the weekend, I forgot one of her maintenance meds and she could barely sleep because even her rescue inhaler wasn’t cutting it, thanks to their pets! Very scary indeed.
Sorry to hear that, Flossie, hope your daughter is okay now.
I have adult onset asthma and my daughter has asthma too… It’s definitely important to take your meds as prescribed in order to keep it under control. The biggest issue for me is when I visit someone’s home who has furry pets… it makes me so ill, even with my inhalers.
Sorry to hear that, Kate!
I’ve never thought about the connection between asthma and environmental triggers. Thank goodness for inhalers and prescriptions that can help adults and children manage and live without fear of an attack. Reminds us all to be careful about aggravating someone else’s reaction with something like pet hair.
It is good to know what triggers the condition, so the patient could avoid it.
I have asthma, mind started at 34 and was induced by mold. Specifically black mold it’s the worst because the older I get the more issues keep occurring. Thank you for sharing.
Make sure you have your action plan, Diana!
We thought at one time that my youngest may have had acute asthma. No one in either family has it, so it would have been rare, but still possible. He mostly had the coughing only at night. Turned out he has environmental/seasonal allergies and starting medicine for that made a huge difference.
Sometimes, seasonal allergy can mimic asthma symptoms.
I never really thought about the triggers but for sure something to think about. SO many things can be in our homes!
The more informed you are about a condition, the easier it is to manage.
I have asthma and all of this is sooo right! It’s weird what things can trigger it, sometimes. I have been taking Singulair for it, though and it is wonderful!
That’s great, Stephanie, make sure you are compliant with it.
My older sister had asthma as a kid and it was frightening to see her go through an attack. It went away when she hit the teens and never returned. Your tips are very helpful.
Fortunately, some patients just like your sister, outgrow the condition.
Thanks God, no one in my family have ever suffered from asthma. I know that many children of my friends suffer from this but if parents follow doctor’s advice things are easier for the children.
It’s a blessing for you, Helene, as this condition can be very scary.
I’m so sorry to hear your niece suffers from asthma 🙁 thank you for all the information about this! It is very important to be in the know.
Health education is very important, Nati!
You never truly know the extent of asthma until you know someone that has it. This was so very informative!
So true, Becca!