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Kid Health

Breathe easy You can help control your child's asthma. By Larry UrishPublished: March, 2009

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In our affluent society, we take many things for granted: plentiful food and safe housing, to name a few. How often do we think about breathing? If you’re the parent of a child with asthma, chances are the simple act of inhaling and exhaling is an ongoing, and serious, concern.     Asthma is the leading serious chronic illness among children, according to the American Lung Association (ALA). More than 6.8 million children under age 18 – and almost 1.2 million under age 5 – suffer from this malady. And these numbers keep rising. In addition, asthma is the third-leading cause of hospitalization among children under age 15. > What is asthma? A child with asthma suffers from inflamed bronchial airways, which leads to increased mucus formation, swelling and muscle contraction. The resulting symptoms of what is commonly known as an “asthma attack” include airway obstruction, tightness in the chest, coughing and wheezing – often at the same time. So, it’s no surprise that kids with asthma often live in fear of the next attack.         Bronchial airways become inflamed for a variety of reasons. “Most patients with asthma – at least 60 percent – have identifiable allergic sensitization … to an environmental allergen,” says Dr. Joshua Gibbs, an allergist in the Children’s Hospital of Orange County’s Pediatric Subspecialty Faculty, Division of Allergy and Asthma. “Generally, allergy is an underlying cause, along with genetic predisposition to asthma. Irritants such as smoke, perfumes and chemicals, along with viral infections, tend to be symptom triggers.”    Other irritants include air pollution, dust, mold, pollen and changes in air temperature, according to the ALA. Allergies to certain foods also may be a factor.     “In childhood, the most commonly implicated foods are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, soy and wheat,” says Gibbs. “Typically, as you get older, fish and shellfish become more prevalent, but reactions can occur in children, as well.” > Ease the burden What can you do to help your child? First, see a doctor. She, or a referred specialist, can determine the cause and recommend the next steps to take.     If pollen and mold are factors, keep your home and car windows closed (use an air conditioner when necessary); frequently change the filter on your heating and cooling system; and regularly clean and air out your bathrooms, kitchen and basement.     For children allergic to dust, regularly wash bed sheets in hot water, use airtight covers on mattresses and pillows, and swap out carpets and drapes with tile and/or hardwood flooring and adjustable blinds.     You may have to get rid of Fido if your child is allergic to him; or keep your four-legged asthma trigger out of your kid’s bedroom.     Here’s a no-brainer: Quit smoking! Do anything you can to keep your child away from second-hand smoke. Asthma or not, it’s a great idea for your entire family. > How can Junior be treated? If eliminating the environmental triggers don’t help (they usually do), your child can try two types of medication: anti-inflammatories, which can prevent asthma attacks by keeping his airways from swelling, and bronchodilators, which can stop asthma attacks by opening up tight airways and reducing swelling.     You may have to limit your child’s exercise, but only if this proves to be a trigger. However, when asthma is properly controlled, exercise needn’t be eliminated.     Once your child’s asthma is identified, the triggers are discovered, and the proper medication, if necessary, is administered, your child can lead a happy, active and productive life. As always, start with a trip to your doctor. Larry Urish is a contributor to OC Family magazine. ATTACK ASTHMA Asthma attacks are always a source of stress for both you and your child and should never be treated lightly. If your child has trouble breathing, he should: > Use his inhaler, which should be within reach at all times. > Relax his breathing: Have him inhale slowly through his nose and exhale through his mouth, while pursing his lips, as a trumpet player would do. > Sit down; don’t lie down. > Relax his shoulders and neck; it may help if he straddles a chair backwards, placing his elbows UP on the back of the chair. > Cough to loosen any mucus in his airways, then cough again to bring up the mucus. Sources: Children’s Hospital of Orange County American Lung Association

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