Understanding Asthma as a Pediatric Condition
Asthma is a chronic medical condition that affects the respiratory system. Some people have lungs that are highly sensitive to certain substances known as triggers. These triggers may be items in the natural world such as pollen
Understanding Asthma as a Pediatric Condition
Asthma is a chronic medical condition that affects the respiratory system. Some people have lungs that are highly sensitive to certain substances known as triggers. These triggers may be items in the natural world such as pollen or when the person has a cold. According to Newport Children’s Medical Group, when it comes to pediatric asthma, exercise can also be a trigger. In exercise-induced asthma, a trigger might be playing a continuous physical activity like soccer. The air coming through the mouth causes asthma exacerbation because it’s cooler than air breathed in through the nose. It makes the airways to narrow.
What happens when triggered is that the airways become inflamed and the sufferer may find it hard to breathe. While asthma is a serious medical condition, it can be managed with careful care. Asthma may develop at any time. Children who have been diagnosed with asthma face specific challenges that parents must be aware of as the child grows. Fortunately, paying close attention to the child’s needs can ward off attacks and make sure the child remains healthy as they grow up.
Any indication the child has asthma should be dealt with by a medical professional as soon as possible. It’s important to keep an eye out for certain symptoms when speaking to medical professionals. Just like adults, asthma symptoms in children can vary.
Some children may have few if any daily issues. Others may struggle with more severe symptoms that worsen over time. A child may have a sudden attack when unexpectedly exposed to a specific trigger.
In general, childhood asthma signs include coughing at night, wheezing, and difficulty breathing in some way. Children may also have other symptoms that are not related to breathing. Children may indicate they have chest pain or chest congestion that lingers. They may find they get up tired and find it hard to sleep at night.
If a child catches a cold, the cold may linger long after the child should have recovered.
Epidemiology of Pediatric Asthma
Pediatric asthma is a significant public health concern globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asthma affects approximately 235 million people worldwide, and it is the most common chronic condition among children. Here are some key epidemiological facts about pediatric asthma:
A. Prevalence and incidence of pediatric asthma
- Asthma affects about 10% of children in the United States.
- The prevalence of asthma in children has been increasing in recent years.
- The incidence of asthma is higher in boys than in girls before puberty, but it becomes higher in girls after puberty.
B. Demographic factors associated with pediatric asthma
- Asthma is more prevalent in African American and Hispanic children compared to white children.
- Children living in urban areas have a higher prevalence of asthma compared to those living in rural areas.
- Children from low-income families have a higher prevalence of asthma than those from higher-income families.
C. Geographic and environmental factors associated with pediatric asthma
- Asthma is more prevalent in industrialized countries than in developing countries.
- Exposure to environmental factors such as air pollution, allergens, and respiratory infections can increase the risk of asthma.
- Children who live in homes with smokers have a higher risk of developing asthma.
In summary, pediatric asthma is a significant health concern affecting a significant number of children worldwide. Prevalence and incidence rates have been increasing in recent years, and certain demographic, geographic, and environmental factors can increase the risk of asthma. It is essential to understand these epidemiological factors to develop effective prevention and management strategies for pediatric asthma.
Treatment of Pediatric Asthma
An asthma diagnosis may also be made in the event of an emergency. If a child has obvious trouble breathing and cannot catch their breath or they can’t speak without gasping for air, immediate emergency treatment may be warranted. Once a diagnosis is made, parents should be aware of likely treatment methods. Pediatricians may refer the patient to a specialist for further development of a specific treatment plan.
Emergency treatments typically consist of medications known as short-acting bronchodilators. These can head off any existing symptoms and make sure the child can breathe for several hours. However, while immediately effective, they cannot prevent future asthma attacks. In that case, it may be necessary to consider other forms of safe and effective treatment for childhood asthma.
The treatment plan depends on the severity of the child’s asthma, and the management plan may include the following:
A. Medications for pediatric asthma
- Short-acting bronchodilators: These medications quickly relieve asthma symptoms and are often used in the case of an acute asthma attack.
- Inhaled corticosteroids: These medications reduce airway inflammation and help prevent asthma symptoms.
- Long-acting bronchodilators: These medications are used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids to prevent asthma symptoms and improve lung fu