In the UK, around 1.1 million children have asthma. This chronic condition affects the airways, the tubes that take air to and from the lungs, and causes inflammation that leads to breathing problems. Common symptoms of asthma are persistent coughing and wheezing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath.
Childhood asthma is generally triggered by allergic reactions to something in the child’s environment. Each child will experience different reactions to the same irritants, depending on the severity of their condition, and the child’s reaction to the same triggers may be different depending on the situation and their health at the time.
Once asthma has been diagnosed in your child, it’s important to recognise the triggers that exacerbate your child’s symptoms, causing them pain and distress.
Some of the most common irritants or triggers including house dust mites and pollen; smoke, gas fumes and air pollution; certain foods, including additives and preservatives; pet hair and dander; mould and dampness in the home; aerosol sprays and paint fumes.
Stressful and emotional situations can also trigger asthma symptoms in a child, while you should be aware that cold weather could bring colds and chest infections that will affect an asthmatic child.
Identifying the triggers and irritants that cause asthma symptoms and avoiding them can help you manage your child’s condition more effectively and let he or she lead a normal, healthy life.
Some children will only have a mild type of asthma with rare symptoms but no matter the severity of their condition, it’s crucial that all medication is taken when prescribed and that you monitor their symptoms carefully so the child’s doctor can be advised of any changes.
There is no cure for asthma. The condition is managed through a combination of medical treatments, including steroids to alleviate inflammation and non-steroid drugs called bronchodilators that help to relax the muscles of the airways to open them up and let the child breath more easily. There are known side effects to these drugs while it is also recognised that some children do not respond to medication.
There are several natural remedies known to help with the relief of asthma symptoms and these may be used in conjunction with the medication prescribed for your child.
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