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Asthma is a breathing problem that affects the airways in the lungs. Asthma can occur at any age but can be controlled with the help of proper medications.
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What is Asthma • Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the airways become sensitive to allergens or irritants. • it is one of the most common chronic condition among children. More than 77 percent of children below the age of 6 years present symptoms of asthma.
Type of Symptoms • Recurrent or persistent non-productive cough with or without breathlessness • Wheezing • Difficulty in breathing, especially while exercising, laughing or crying • Tightness in the chest • Runny nose
Riskfactors that have been linked tochildhood asthma • Family History: Genetics play an important role in the development of asthma. • Atopy: Atopy is defined as a tendency to become sensitized and produce IgE antibodies when exposed to allergens, usually proteins. • Frequent Respiratory Infections: Respiratory tract infections caused by both viruses and/or atypical bacteria are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. • Exposure To Tobacco: Studies have shown that children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are 10 times more likely to develop asthma.
Management of Childhood Asthma Although asthma is a long-term disease, it can be kept under control. There are 2 main aspects to the management of childhood asthma: • Medication: The best way to take asthma medication is via inhalers. Unlike oral tablets and syrups, these devices deliver the drug directly to the lungs, without needing to be ingested or absorbed into the bloodstream. • Avoidance Of Triggers: Asthma attacks can be brought about by many triggers. Common indoor triggers include pet dander, dust mites and mold, whilst outdoor factors like weather, pollen count and pollution can also exacerbate the symptoms of asthma.