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what is asthma kidshealth

by Elmore Bauch IV Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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Asthma is a condition that causes breathing problems. Kids may cough, wheeze, or be short of breath. This happens because airways in the lungs get swollen, smaller, and filled with mucus. Asthma is common in kids and teens, and tends to run in families.

What are the signs of asthma in kids?

Asthma symptoms in children under 5. Common asthma signs and symptoms in children under 5 include: Cough. Wheezing, a high-pitched, whistle-like sound when exhaling. Trouble breathing or shortness of breath. A tight, uncomfortable feeling in the chest. The severity and patterns of symptoms may vary: Worsening of symptoms at night.

What is the best asthma medicine for children?

  • Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective long-term control medicines. ...
  • Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists open your airways by relaxing the smooth muscles around them. ...
  • Combination inhaled medicines have an inhaled corticosteroid along with a long-acting beta-agonist. ...
  • Biologics target a cell or protein in your body to prevent airway inflammation. ...

More items...

What percentage of kids have asthma?

Percent of adults aged 18 and over who currently have asthma: 8.4% (2020) Source: Interactive Summary Health Statistics for Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2019-2020. Percent of children under age 18 years who currently have asthma: 5.8% (2020)

How to deal with asthma in children?

How To Deal With a Child With Respiratory Issues or Asthma

  • Stay Prepared. Always having an inhaler or some kind of breathing aid is important. ...
  • Understand Limitations. Asthma or other respiratory issues can limit the activities that your child can perform. ...
  • Identify Triggers. Different people have different triggers and allergies to certain animals, pollen, and even grass. ...
  • Move Under Extreme Circumstances. ...

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What is asthma explain to kids?

What Is Asthma? Asthma is a health problem that makes it hard to breathe. This happens because airways in the lungs swell up, fill with mucus, and get smaller. Some people say having asthma feels like breathing through a straw. If you have asthma, you're not alone.

What are the signs of asthma in a child?

Common childhood asthma signs and symptoms include:Frequent coughing that worsens when your child has a viral infection, occurs while your child is asleep or is triggered by exercise or cold air.A whistling or wheezing sound when breathing out.Shortness of breath.Chest congestion or tightness.

What is asthma simple answer?

Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath. For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance.

What is children's asthma called?

Childhood asthma (pediatric asthma) is the most common serious chronic disease in infants and children; yet is often difficult to diagnose. Some children have symptoms only when exercising or playing a sport. This is called exercise-induced bronchospasm.

At what age asthma starts?

Asthma often starts during childhood, usually before age 5. Many children have asthma - it is the most common chronic disease of childhood. It can cause children to miss school and end up in the hospital.

Does child asthma go away?

The airway condition can disrupt sleep, play and other activities. Asthma can't be cured, but you and your child can reduce symptoms by following an asthma action plan. This is a written plan you develop with your child's doctor to track symptoms and adjust treatment.

What are 5 causes of asthma?

Common Asthma TriggersTobacco Smoke.Dust Mites.Outdoor Air Pollution.Pests (e.g., cockroaches, mice)Pets.Mold.Cleaning and Disinfection.Other Triggers.

How is asthma caused?

Common Triggers Outdoor allergens, such as pollens from grass, trees and weeds. Indoor allergens, such as pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches and mold. Irritants in the air, such as smoke, chemical fumes and strong odors. Exercise (although people with well-controlled asthma can exercise)

What is asthma in one word?

asthma. / (ˈæsmə) / noun. a respiratory disorder, often of allergic origin, characterized by difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and a sense of constriction in the chest.

How do you treat a child with asthma?

How Can I Manage My Child's Asthma?Have a plan and stick to it. Your child should have an asthma action plan. ... Take medicines as prescribed. ... Identify and avoid triggers. ... Make sure your child gets a yearly flu vaccine. ... Use tools when necessary. ... Know the signs of a flare-up. ... Know what to do for a severe flare-up.

Can asthma go away?

Because asthma is a chronic illness, there's no cure for it, though treatments exist to manage symptoms. The most commonly prescribed treatment is the use of an inhaler (a reliever inhaler to relieve symptoms, a preventer inhaler to prevent them, or a combination inhaler for both).

Is asthma a serious disease?

If symptoms are severe, people with asthma may need to receive emergency health care and they may be admitted to hospital for treatment and monitoring. In the most severe cases, asthma can lead to death.

What triggers child asthma?

Common asthma triggers include: allergens like pollen, mold, and pet dander. dirty air (irritants or pollutants) respiratory infections, like colds or the flu.

How do you check for asthma at home?

Use a stethoscope to listen to your breathing. Wheezing — high-pitched whistling sounds when you breathe out — is one of the main signs of asthma. Examine your skin for signs of allergic conditions such as eczema and hives.

What are the 3 signs and symptoms of asthma?

Shortness of breath. Cough. Chest tightness or pain. Wheeze (a whistling sound when you breathe)

What is a common trigger for asthma in children?

Infections linked to influenza (flu), colds, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can trigger an asthma attack. Sinus infections, allergies, pollen, breathing in some chemicals, and acid reflux can also trigger attacks.

How to help asthma in kids?

Following the plan can help your child do normal everyday activities without having asthma symptoms. Keeping an asthma diary is another way to help manage asthma. Tracking your child's symptoms and medicines will help you know when your child is more likely to have a flare-up. A peak-flow meter can help too.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition that causes breathing problems. Kids may cough, wheeze, or be short of breath. This happens because airways in the lungs get swollen, smaller, and filled with mucus.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Asthma?

Flare-ups are when asthma symptoms get worse. They happen when airways get more irritated and inflamed (swollen) than usual.

How Is Asthma Diagnosed?

To diagnose asthma, doctors will ask questions about a child's health, problems with breathing, and family medical history. They'll also ask about any allergies, illnesses, and exposure to things that may make breathing worse.

How does asthma affect breathing?

Normally, when someone breathes in, air goes in through the nose or mouth, down the windpipe (trachea), and into the airways (bronchioles) of the lungs. When people breathe out, air exits the body in the opposite direction.

How to make your home asthma safe?

For example, if pet dander or mold in your home trigger your child's asthma symptoms, you can make your home asthma-safe by changing the linens often, vacuuming regularly, and keeping the family pet out of your child's bedroom.

Where do asthma pills go?

Most asthma medicines are breathed directly into the lungs (inhaled), but some are pills or liquids. There are two types of asthma medicines:

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a health problem that makes it hard to breathe. This happens because airways in the lungs swell up, fill with mucus, and get smaller. Some people say having asthma feels like breathing through a straw.

What Happens in Asthma?

You take thousands of breaths every day. Normally, when you breathe in, air enters your nose or mouth and then goes to the windpipe, also called the trachea (say: TRAY-kee-uh). From there, the air travels into the lungs through breathing tubes. The whole process goes in reverse when you exhale.

How Is Asthma Diagnosed?

If your doctor thinks you have asthma, you'll have to get checked out. One test that helps doctors diagnose asthma is spirometry. A spirometer is a device that measures how well your lungs work. It's as easy as blowing out your birthday candles!

How Is Asthma Treated?

Caring for your asthma means doing two things: avoiding things that cause flare-ups and taking medicines if your doctor prescribes them.

What is a spacer in an inhaler?

Using an inhaler like this can be tricky, so a spacer helps. It attaches to the inhaler and holds the mist of medicine in one place (between the inhaler and your mouth). A spacer lets you breathe in when you're ready, so it's easier to inhale all the medicine into your lungs.

Why does asthma make breathing harder?

Asthma doesn't make your breathing harder all the time — just sometimes. This happens because the airways get more irritated than normal. When this happens, it's called an asthma " flare-up " or "attack.". You'll know you're having a flare-up if you: have a whistling sound when breathing (this is called wheezing)

Can asthma be treated with medicine?

Taking Medicines. It's not always possible to avoid triggers, so most kids who have asthma also take medicine. Not every kid's asthma is the same. That's why there are different kinds of medicines for treating it: One kind is called quick-relief medicine (also called rescue or fast-acting medicine).

Why do some children have asthma?

One in 4 children in New Zealand will have asthma at some time during childhood.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a common breathing condition. It affects the small and medium-sized airways (bronchi) in the lungs.

What causes an asthma attack?

Children with asthma have airways that are sensitive and react to certain triggers.

How do I treat my child's asthma attack?

You will need to use the blue inhaler with a plastic tube called a spacer.

When should I seek urgent help for an asthma attack?

Keep your child sitting up and give them 6 puffs of the blue inhaler through the spacer and see a doctor urgently if your child has any of the following symptoms:

What does it mean when a child looks pale?

looks pale and is beginning to get tired. gets worse after beginning to get better. has trouble completing a sentence because of difficulty breathing. you are worried. Check out the signs that your child is struggling to breathe.

What is the best emergency number for asthma?

has periods of stopping breathing. In severe asthma, it is usually better to dial 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries) and ask for emergency medical help, rather than drive your child in your own car to the hospital.

How Is Asthma Treated?

There's no cure for asthma, but it can be managed to prevent flare-ups. Asthma treatment involves two important things: avoiding triggers and taking medicine.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Asthma?

Flare-ups are when asthma symptoms get worse. They happen when airways get more irritated and inflamed (swollen) than usual.

How Is Asthma Diagnosed?

To diagnose asthma, doctors will ask questions about a child's health, problems with breathing, and family medical history. They'll also ask about any allergies, illnesses, and exposure to things that may make breathing worse.

What is asthma in children?

Asthma is a condition that affects your child's lungs. It is the most common chronic illness in children. Early diagnosis and treatment of asthma is helpful to control asthma symptoms or prevent further asthma episodes.

Why does my child feel short of breath?

Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs and can cause your child to feel short of breath, have tightness in their chest and experience coughing and wheezing. With good asthma control, your child can go on to live a normal and healthy life. Learn more about what asthma is, how it is diagnosed and how it can be controlled. You will also learn about the medicines used to treat asthma and the different devices used to give them.

Can asthmatic children go to school?

If your child has well-controlled asthma, they should be able to go to school or day care regularly and participate in activities. Also find the answers to some frequently asked questions about asthma and some suggestions for further reading.

What is asthma caused by?

Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste, or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet dander)

What are the complications of asthma?

Asthma complications include: Signs and symptoms that interfere with sleep, work and other activities. Sick days from work or school during asthma flare-ups. A permanent narrowing of the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs (bronchial tubes), which affects how well you can breathe.

How do you know if your asthma is worsening?

Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include: Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome. Increasing difficulty breathing, as measured with a device used to check how well your lungs are working (peak flow meter) The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often.

Why does asthma flare up?

For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations: Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry. Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust.

How to review asthma treatment?

To review your treatment. Asthma often changes over time. Meet with your doctor regularly to discuss your symptoms and make any needed treatment adjustments.

How to monitor asthma after diagnosis?

To monitor your asthma after diagnosis. If you know you have asthma, work with your doctor to keep it under control. Good long-term control helps you feel better from day to day and can prevent a life-threatening asthma attack. If your asthma symptoms get worse.

Why do some people have asthma and others don't?

It isn't clear why some people get asthma and others don't, but it's probably due to a combination of environmental and inherited (genetic) factors.

What happens if a child has asthma?

In a severe episode of asthma: your child might struggle to breathe, become very distressed, exhausted or even limp. you may see deep sucking movements at their throat or chest as they try to breathe. Call an ambulance immediately in a severe episode of asthma.

How do you know if your child has asthma?

Signs and symptoms of asthma. Common signs that your child is having an episode of asthma are: Breathing problems – your child might be out of breath at rest , feel tightness in the chest, have to work hard to breathe, or be unable to complete full sentences due to feeling out of breath.

What is the name of the medication that a GP uses to treat asthma?

Controllers. When symptoms of asthma cannot be controlled by preventers alone, a group of medicines called symptom controllers, such as Serevent and Formoterol, may also be used. They help in a similar way to Ventolin and Bricanyl, but are long-acting.

How to help asthma in a 4x4?

If your child is having an asthma episode, follow the advice in your child’s Asthma Action Plan, or follow the below 4x4x4 asthma first aid steps: Sit your child comfortably upright and remain calm. Shake a blue reliever puffer and give four separate puffs through a spacer, if available.

How often should a child take asthma preventer?

If your child is showing symptoms of asthma more than once a week, your GP may suggest preventer medicine. Children taking preventers need to see the GP regularly, to make sure the medicines are working well. The GP will adjust the dose of medicine as needed. Controllers.

What is asthma in the lungs?

Asthma is a common condition caused by narrowing of the small air passages in the lungs. The narrowing happens when air passages become swollen ...

What are the causes of asthma?

Other common asthma triggers include: exercise. changes in the weather or windy conditions. dust mites in the house, pollens or pets.

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