Asthma in children ...

Asthma is a disorder of the bronchial tubes involving repeated attacks of shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. These attacks occur when the airways contract, swell, and clog up with mucus. Most asthmatic attacks are mild however, the condition in itself is a chronic one, and left untreated, the consequences can be serious. In mild cases the attacks occur on an occasional basis, where they may occur several times in a week or even a single day in those suffering with severe asthma.
Although it's a chronic disease, people with asthma can learn how to manage these attacks and lead normal, active lives.

What causes asthma?

There are two types of asthma:
Atopic (extrinsic) asthma and Nonatopic (intrinsic) asthma.

Atopic asthma, the more common of the two, usually, but not always, begins in childhood. This is caused by an allergic reaction to certain allergens ie. dust, pollen, mold spores, insecticides, animals, and certain food. Most people with this form of asthma usually suffer with other allergies, and it is not uncommon to find a family history of the disorder.

Nonatopic asthma typically begins after age 35, with the attacks becoming more frequent over time. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be triggered by infections of the nose, sinuses, bronchi or lungs. Strenuous exercise, emotional stress, or exposure to cold air, dust, or fumes can also be to blame.

Diagnosis

Unfortunately, there is no single test with which to diagnose asthma. Several tests must be performed, and these may include:

• Lung function tests - evaluate breathing performance by breathning into a special apparatus
• Blood tests - to assess the amount of oxygen in the blood
• Sputum examinations - whereby sputum is examined under a microscope
• Chest x-rays
• Skin tests - to identify allergies to common foods or other substances.

Treatment

Treatment would consist of bringing any infection under control, usually with antibiotics. If an allergic factor seems likely the patient would be given a series of tests to confirm the offending allergens. Bronchodilators may be prescribed to relax the airways - this is usually the main type of 'medication' used in the treatment of asthma. In the case of severe asthma, corticosteroids (oral or aerosols) are prescribed to suppress the body's reaction. Because of the serious side-effects related to steroids, these drugs are usually prescribed only for a short period of time.

Avoiding attacks

Asthma sufferers should do their utmost in trying to discover what triggers and attack, and then avoid that situation or substance.
The following are common triggering agents:

• Foods - chocolate, nuts, eggs, shellfish, milk, oranges, wine, beer
• Pollen, mold spores
• Tobacco smoke
• Animals - dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, chickens, insects
• Dust - dirty filters on heating and air conditioning systems; brooms and dusters; upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains that might harbor dust
• Smog, car fumes
• Feathers
• Wool
• Personal care products - hair sprays, cosmetics, powder
• Aerosol sprays of any kind
• Cold or hot air, high humidity or very dry air
• Emotion - anger, frustration, fear, crying, laughing too hard
• Exercise
• Common cold, flu

Coping during an attack

In a typical attack, the individual may expereince a tighness in her chest, she wheezes, coughs and has difficulty in breathing. Her face may turn blue, often with a feeling of suffocation. This can be extremely frightening, but is generally not too dangerous. Towards the end of an attack, thick mucus is expelled, offering a wonderful feeling of relief.

Fortunately though, asthma attacks usually give you warning signs before they start. This gives you time to 'treat' the attack before it becomes too serious - But you must take immediate action! Common warning signs, necessetating immediate action would include :

• tightness in your chest
• coughing
• wheezing
• difficulty in breathing (dyspnea) or shortness of breath.
• Action plan

Using the oral inhaler

1. Remove the necessary caps, assembling it according to the manufactors instructions
2. Shake the inhaler 5 times
3. Purse your lips and breathe out completely
4. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, forming a seal with your lips and teeth
5. With your head tilted back slightly, take a slow, deep breath and press the inhaler down once.
6. Keep inhaling until your lungs feel as if they are full of air. (One press equals one dose.)
7. Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and hold your breath for 5 seconds. eg. Silently counting one 100, two 100, three 100, four 100, five 100.)
8. Purse your lips and breathe out slowly.

If your doctor has prescribed a second dose, wait 2 minutes before starting the procedure again.
It will take a few minutes for the medication to completely open your airways. Therefore it is important that you try to relax following the use of the inhaler, breathing in through pursed lips until you no longer feel breathless. (Fear, anxiety and gasping for air will only worsen the shortness of breath)

The wonders of coughing

Asthma attacks sometimes trigger a coughing spell. This is actually good, as it helps to expel mucus, thus clearing your airways. To be effective this needs to be done in a correct manner:
Lean slightly forward, breathe in deeply and hold it for 2 or 3 seconds. Cough a few times to loosen the mucus, then cough again to expel the mucus, spitting it into a tissue or basin. It is important to rid yourself of this mucus, as swallowing it will result in nausea.

If after following all the necessary guidelines you find the attack getting worse, do not hesitate to call your doctor.

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