Asthma Symptoms in Children

Asthma is a disorder of the lungs caused when the airways (bronchi) in the lungs get
inflamed. It is one of the most common conditions experienced by children and infants
all over the world. It is easier to diagnose this condition in adults and teens but a bit
difficult to diagnose asthma in children. Therefore, it is essential to look out for the
specific underlying symptoms that help in quick diagnose of the disease. So before,
reading about asthma symptoms in children, let us take a look at the causes for the
same.

Causes of Asthma in Children

The exact cause of asthma in children as well as adults in unknown. This condition is
believed to flare up when the child suffers from common cold, influenza, or any other
respiratory disorder. On the other hand, exposure to dust and pollution leads to asthma
attack. There are several asthma triggers that lead to this condition like allergens like
mites, pollen, mold, exercise, cold air, tobacco smoke, dander, certain medications, etc.
When the child suffering from asthma is exposed to any of the above mentioned trigger
factors, he/she gets an asthma attack. This occurs when the airways become narrow
and the muscles around them contract. This leads to inflammation of the membranes of
the inner wall resulting in excess mucus. As a result of this condition, the child tends to
breathe at a very faster rate to keep the air flowing in the airways.

On the other hand, there is an another type of asthma, known as the exercise induced
asthma (EIA). Children suffering from this condition experience symptoms of asthma on
exercising. This occurs occurs as the lungs of these children as overly sensitive and
cannot adjust to the sudden change in temperature and humidity. While exercising, the
child breathes with his mouth, thus inhaling cold air which can trigger off asthma attack.

Asthma Symptoms in Children

Symptoms of asthma in children range from mild to severe ones. The following are the
common or mild asthma symptoms in infants and children.

 Shortness of breath
 Cough
 Wheezing
 Tightness in chest
 Chest pain

Apart from these, several other severe symptoms of asthma are observed in children.
They include:

 Flaring of the nostrils when breathing in

 Interrupted talking
 Agitation
  Frequent coughing spells, specially at night
 Less energy during play
 Retractions in the chest
 Feelings of weakness or tiredness

The symptoms of exercise induced asthma in children are more or less similar to that of
the other type of asthma. These symptoms appear within 5 - 10 minutes of starting
exercise or playing. The following are the symptoms of exercise induced asthma attack
in children:

 Frequent cough after exercise

 Wheezing and shortness of breath
 Getting tired easily
 Can not play outdoors, exercise continually for more than a few minutes

One of the peculiar factor of asthma symptoms in children is that the symptoms become
more severe at night. Children tend to cough a lot at night and even experience
shortness of breath which can lead to waking at night. These are the early identifying
symptoms of asthma that parents should look out for. On the other hand, the cough in
asthma produces mucus which can be green to yellow in color, which is yet another
identifying factors of asthma in children. However, it is difficult to judge the severity of
the condition and hence, it is essential to consult the doctor as early as possible when
these symptoms are observed. The doctor will undertake tests to diagnose the
presence and severity of the conditions. There is no cure for asthma however, there are
several medications, inhalers and nebulizers that help in relieving the symptoms. These
can be gotten with the help of doctor's prescription.

This was brief information on asthma symptoms in children. Along with medications, a
child should be kept away from the trigger factors of asthma. Lastly, children should be
taught that it is possible to continue living with asthma by taking proper care. Take care!

Asthma Attack - What To Do

The early signs of an asthma attack are tightness in the chest, coughing, wheezing and
restlessness or a feeling of impatience while trying to sleep. These are the signs that
usually warn the patients about their likelihood of getting an asthma attack. The patients
should make sure that they are taking all the medicines at the required time prescribed
by their doctor. In addition to this, they should try to relax themselves, both mentally and
physically. Also, try to cough to expel mucus out. However, many-a-times, even after
taking so much care and caution, patients tend to get asthma attacks. Therefore, they
should always keep themselves prepared to handle such situations. The following few
steps on 'asthma attack - what to do' will surely come handy.

Asthma Attack - What To Do

  Immediately leave the environment where any kinds of asthmatic agent or
asthma triggers are present. These can be smoke, perfume, pet animals or plant.
 Take your reliever inhaler and inhale it. It will open the closed airways. Usually,
albuterol inhalers are prescribed to asthmatics for use during an attack.
 Sit down and try to calm yourself. Make sure that you are wearing no tight
clothings. If any, immediately take that off.
 You may also use Beta-2 antagonists to open up the bronchial passages quickly.
This eases breathing.
 Continue with your reliever inhaler. Take one puff every one minute till the
symptoms improve.
 Generally, the asthma attack symptoms start disappearing within 5-8 minutes. If
you do not feel any improvement in your condition, then call a doctor or 911
immediately.
 Till medical help reaches you, continue puffing your reliever inhaler.

Asthma Attack - Home Remedies

 Increase your intake of foods rich in Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Such foods are
eggs, meat, dairy products and fruits. Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 reduces the
inflammation of the lungs. Hence, they are prescribed to asthma patients.
 Vitamin C boosts your immune system. With a strong immune system, your body
is able to fight against infections and illnesses.
 Drink a glass of warm milk mixed with a teaspoon of turmeric powder. You may
take it every night before going to bed to get some relief from frequent asthma
attacks.
 It is believed that gingko biloba reduces the frequency of asthma attack. Use this
medicinal herb to get relief from asthma.
 Massage your chest and back with warm mustard oil mixed with a little of
camphor. Do it thrice a week. This is believed to be an effective asthma attack
home remedy.
 Caffiene dilates the bronchial airways. Therefore, coffee and soft drinks
containing caffeine can be used for asthma attack treatment.
 Drink licorice tea once a day. It helps in the treatment of asthma attack and is
one of the simplest home remedies for asthma.
 Eat fish, especially salmon, at least twice a week. Salmon oil capsules are also
available over-the-counter. They are sometimes prescribed by medical
professionals as well.
 Chew fennel twice or thrice a day. It will help you in expelling out infected mucus
from the lung. It is widely used in the treatment for asthma attack.
 A Chinese herb called Shuan Huang Lian is very effective in treating respiratory
system disorders. Consult a herbalist for the required dosage and use it as
directed.
 Blend a ½ a cup of honey, a cup of grated radish and 3 tablespoons of lemon
juice together. Take one teaspoon daily in the morning. It will ease your
condition.
 Inhale the vapors from hot water mixed with 3-4 drops of juniper oil. Do it on
alternate days. This essential oil is known to treat many disorders associated
with respiration. More on asthma treatment.
 Asthma Triggers
 Asthma is a long-term respiratory disorder. It causes inflammation and swelling
of bronchial tubes making breathing difficult.

Asthma is a commonly found chronic disorder of the airways, which obstructs the
breathing of a person. It inflames and narrows the airways which hinders normal
breathing, often characterized by a whistling sound, when the person is trying to
inhale and exhale. United States alone, has 22 million people suffering from asthma,
out of which, almost 6 million are children.

We need to breathe oxygen from the air for our cells to function. The air enters
through the nose and goes to the bronchi through the windpipe. The bronchi then
sends the oxygen to the lungs, where it merges with the blood and circulates
through our body. For a person suffering with asthma, the bronchial tubes become
narrow for two reasons, one, because they are entrapped by inflamed muscles and
two, because they are blocked by mucus and swelling. This type of asthma attack is
called 'bronchoconstriction'. The other aspect of asthma attack is called 'Bronchial
Inflammation', which is a result of the swelling of bronchial walls. These walls swell
up as a reaction to some irritants and produce mucus.

Asthma Triggers
Asthma is a long-term lung disorder, caused by an interaction of genetic and
environmental factors. The factors causing the disorder are also responsible for
deciding the severity of the problem.

Environmental Factors
Over the years it has been found that maternal cigarette smoking affects the fetus, in
the prenatal stage. Air pollution and high ozone depletion levels have always been a
cause of asthma. Childhood asthma often finds its source in air pollution. In children,
asthma is often triggered by a common cold. If the child is constantly exposed to
irritants such as dust mites, pollen, tobacco smoke, animal dander, deodorants and
perfumes, the infection is only likely to aggravate.

Psychological Factors
Especially among adolescents, the social stigma of suffering with asthma becomes
hard to deal with. This worsens the condition and often triggers it. Psychological
stress and emotional trauma are a few other factors that can be risky for asthma
patients.
 Genetic Factors
There are about a 100 genes that are related to the cause of asthma. The genetics
play an important role in affecting the immune system. It is when genetic variants
combine with specific environment, this exposure culminates into asthma.

Hygiene Hypothesis
Researchers have recently deduced that the Western lifestyle has become so used
to cleanliness and hygiene, that the children of recent generations cannot stand
pollution. This is called as the 'hygiene hypothesis' which has over the years,
weakened the immune system in children.

Population Disparities
The inner-cities of America are highly affected with asthma. Asthma is also seen
among the people of different ethnicity, born in America. The lung disorder is seen
mostly in male children, but it also likely to persist in adult females.

Socioeconomic Factors
Asthma is commonly diagnosed in the low-per capita population. This is attributable
to their poor standards of living. Infested with cockroaches, the homes and
neighborhoods become an unmanageable source of asthma. These patients cannot
receive proper treatment as it is an expensive affair.

Occupational Asthma
Again, the low-capita bracket, that live near industrial areas, are likely to suffer from
asthma. Prolonged exposure to the smoke emitted by these industrial areas, has
become the infamous trigger for asthma. About 15-23% of asthma sufferers have
work-related asthma. The employees of manufacturing units, are one of the most
affected lot.

Asthma can be treated through medication. In most cases, asthma can be treated to
an extent of 90%, but it cannot be eliminated entirely. It is a long term respiratory
disorder. The most effective way of dealing with asthma, is to detect the triggers and
avoid exposure to them.

Home Remedies for Asthma

 Today one out of four urban children suffer from severe or mild asthma. Several types of
medication are available off the counter. However, many natural home remedies could be
used to help you with this illness. Scroll down to know more!

Henry loved playing sports. Finally, he was about to try for the high school basketball try outs
this year. He came to the try outs with full enthusiasm. He had played basketball before, but
never for over half an hour at a stretch. 40 minutes into the game, Henry started feeling very
tired. He started perspiring profusely and his breath shortened. He still carried on playing in the
spirit of sportsmanship. 10 minutes later he passed out. The school doctors soon diagnosed him
for non-allergic asthma.

One fourth of the urban population suffers from allergic or non-allergic asthma today. It is a
growing cause of concern because the mortality rate of the disease has increased by 23% in a
year (2008 - 2009), in spite of the fact that it is a reversible condition. Our lifestyle and diet are
not very conducive either. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the United States of
America describes asthma as a "common chronic disorder of the airways that is complex and
characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, airflow obstruction, bronchial
hyperresponsiveness (bronchospasm), and an underlying inflammation". The nature and intensity
of the symptoms would determine the clinical manifestations of the treatment.

There are several natural remedies or home remedies that one can use to keep the attacks at bay.
One can keep the following remedies in mind:

 A healthy and adequate intake of vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. They are instrumental in
treating inflammation of the lungs.
 Vitamin C is well armed to fight infection. It also increases the amount of oxygen and
facilitates in reducing inflammation. Make sure your diet has enough of it.
 Ginkgo biloba (it is a herb that contains ginkgolide B) has been observed to be effective
in reducing the frequency of attacks.
 Try a variation in your tea. Mullein oil is good for fighting respiratory congestion.
 Keep Pau d'arco (retrieved from the bark of taheebo tree) well within reach. It is a natural
antibiotic and great for reducing inflammation.
 Shuan Huang Lian (it's a mixture of certain Chinese herbs) is being used in several
Chinese hospitals to fight respiratory disorders. Get hold of some of it.
 You love exercising, but your work out triggers an attack? Cut down on the salt content
in your food and take 200mg vitamin C an hour before your work out.
 Salmon can do wonders to avoid attacks. Have it thrice a week. Salmon oil capsules are
also available and effective.
 Regular but controlled intake of caffeine (through coffee or colas) would help keep your
bronchial airways dilated.

One can also try the following two recipes. You may need to acquire a taste for them, but your
asthma will surely feel better.

Make a Tea Using:

  2 tsp powdered Indian root.
 2 tsp granulated echinacea root.
 2 tsp elecampane root.
 2 cups of water.

The ingredients will need to set for two hours after they have been mixed.

To Improve Breathing Make a Tea With:

 1 quart boiling water.

 1 tsp chamomile flowers.
 1 tsp echinacea root.
 1 tsp mullein leaves.
 1 tsp passion flower leaves.

The effects and symptoms of asthma can be minimized to quite an extent with the right
lifestyle and precautions. It is the best thing you can do for your health to keep the attacks
few and far between. Take care of your diet and surroundings. Asthma doesn't make you
weak (in general), but you have to take care of yourself to make sure that you don't have
frequent attacks and when you do, you are prepared!