Asthma in Children

Symptoms of Asthma in Children

Asthma can affect children differently. Some kids have a particularly difficult time with breathing when they have colds or some other type of illness, while other kids only seem to have trouble breathing when they are running around and exercising. This is part of the reason why it can be so difficult for both the parents and the doctors to figure out exactly what the problem is.

Some children's asthma is set off by certain environmental triggers, so if your child only starts to wheeze when you light up a cigarette don't chalk it up to a mere allergy to the toxins in the smoke. Even bona fide cases of asthma attacks can occur sporadically and without warning. If you suspect your child has asthma, it is imperative that you take your child in to visit the doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation.

Doctors and Asthma

Be wary of a doctor who is quick to pronounce your child asthmatic without so much as a breathing test. Some doctors diagnose asthma in children and infants when the real issue might be something else entirely:

• Allergies: Although seasonal allergies and other allergic reactions can be quite dangerous, there are usually different treatments for allergies than there are for asthma.
• Recurring Sinus Infections: Some babies and kids are simply more prone to sinus infections, and if the infections occur frequently enough without a proper diagnosis, it may start to look like asthma.
• Enlarged Adenoids: There are some babies and children with enlarged adenoids which are so large that they actually obstruct some of the air entering the body, resulting in a wheezing or rattling sound.
• Laryngeal Malaise: Sometimes the airways of babies and younger children are simply not as rigid as they should be, and this can result in a wheezing or rattling sound especially during a bought with a cold.

It is important to receive a correct diagnosis when your child has breathing problems because you want to treat the condition correctly. For example, children with enlarged adenoids can have surgery to correct the problem, and young kids with Laryngeal Malaise usually completely outgrow the problem around age six or seven. It would be a shame to peg these kids as asthmatic when in fact the problem is something completely different.

It is worth it to seek out a second opinion when a doctor diagnoses your child with asthma.

Proper Asthma Diagnosis

If your child definitely has asthma then there are some steps you will want to take:

• Figure out what triggers asthma attacks. If you notice that your child always seems to have trouble breathing after visiting a certain friend then examine what is different at the friend's house. Are there pets, plants, or something else which your child doesn't usually come into contact with?
• Stay connected with your doctor. A competent doctor can be your child's best friend when it comes to living with asthma. Your doctor should know the best ways to treat your child's asthma while also not being reluctant to explore other options you might suggest.
• Don't excessively shelter your child. Your child will probably deal with asthma for the rest of his or her life. The last thing parents should do is to put the idea in their child's head that they are too delicate and sickly to go out and enjoy life.

Asthma Resources

For more specific information on the physiological effects of asthma or pending legislation, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website or the Asthma Information Page from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.