Isaac (my 7yo) was diagnosed with asthma as the early age of 2 and since then has been taking medications to keep his asthma under control. Luckily the meds are working well and he is one of the most active little boys I know.  I wanted to share this important information with you.

Signs Your Child May Have Asthma

If you notice signs your child may have asthma, here are tips on what to do if you suspect they do. Once you notice the signs, take your child to a physician.  There, tests will be conducted to determine the symptoms and possible cause and a treatment will be prescribed.  You may wish to note that most children develop symptoms within the first two years of life, therefore it is important to note any of the symptoms heretofore mentioned so you can give a clear history to your child’s physician.

Asthma is caused an inflammatory condition of the airways caused by allergens, irritants and respiratory infections. It can also be triggered by many different stimuli, however, not that is reversible and controllable. The signs of asthma include frequent coughing or respiratory infections.  If your child coughs after running or crying, this may be a sign of asthma.  These symptoms usually recur over several months or years, therefore, it is important to keep track of the patterns.

The most common symptom in asthma is wheezing. Although there have been cases in which a child had asthma unaccompanied by this particular symptom. If your child has frequent symptoms of a cold, this could also be a symptom of an asthma condition.

Once it has been determine your child has this condition, there are certain steps you can take to alleviate the episodes.  Keep your child’s room free from as much dust as possible. If your child is allergic to pollen, keep the windows and doors closed during the pollen season.  Keep physical exercise down to a minimum, depending upon the asthma’s trigger mechanism when engaged in sports. 

Other irritants which may contribute to asthma are: cigarette smoke; tiny insects called dust mites; animal dander, especially from cats; plant pollen; air pollution, and deodorants or perfume. Other asthma triggers that can bring on an immediate asthma attack include, exercise, cold air, and in older children - emotional stress. Once the cause is determined, you can effect solutions by staying aware and keeping your child away from the trigger points.

———————-

 Does your child have asthma?  How is it being controlled?