Asthma
Childhood Asthma
Asthma in simple terms is allergy of the airway and lungs. Allergy can affect adults as well as children as young as 1 year olds. Over the last 2 decades, we have noticed a surge in Childhood asthma making it a big health burden on the society. Around 35 million people in India suffer from asthma and in children 8/100 kids have asthma. Asthma is a disease that mainly affects the growing airways of the lungs cauing narrowing or obstruction and hampers lung function. Urbanization of lifestyle, pollution, eating habits, environment and emotional health are all significant factors in causing asthma.
What Happens to the Lungs in Asthma?
In asthma an allergic reaction is triggered in the airway causing narrowing or bronchospasm of the muscles around the bronchus and swelling in the airway mucosa due to inflammation. Due to prolonged allergen exposure and ongoing inflammation, the airway swelling becomes significant and the airway doesn’t go back to its normal calibre.
How will I know if my child has asthma?
If your child has any of these symptoms mentioned below, your child could be suffering from asthma
What should I do if my child has these symptoms?
You must consult a Pediatric pulmonologist if you have these concerns. Pediatric pulmonologist does a thorough clinical examination after reviewing history for complete evaluation. Your doctor might ask you to get pulmonary function tests like spirometry or impulse oscillometry to confirm the diagnosis and to check the function of the lungs. A Pediatric Pulmonologist also recommends the treatment required for your child and maintaining a regular follow up with the doctor will help control the asthma symptoms better.