How Does Asthma Affect Children?

Children with Asthma Should be Monitored Closely

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the respiratory system by constricting the airway due to inflammation. Children are severely affected by asthma. A child's airway is much smaller than adult, which makes them very vulnerable to serious complications induced by asthma. The symptoms children exhibit are labored breathing, constant coughing, wheezing or even a full blown asthma attack, which requires medical attention. Children who have eczema or allergies sometimes suffer with asthma as well. A child who has asthma may not recover from a cold nearly as fast as other children. A cold may last twice as long in a child with asthma. Chicken pox can be serious for children with asthma. It is important to monitor them closely because an oral steroid may be necessary in some cases.

There are many things that can trigger an asthma attack in small children, such as a cold or allergic reaction to something in their environment. Dust, pollution and cigarette smoke may be responsible for an attack. The changing seasons may cause a child to be more asthmatic, especially in the spring time. In addition too much physical activity or excitement can also bring on an asthma episode. An asthma attack can come on all of a sudden without any warning. Children who have severe cases should never be alone without their inhaler.

A child with severe asthma may be limited by the type of physical activity they can do. Typically light exercise is not a problem, but heavy duty sports and running are usually not recommended. Children with asthma should still be able to get a good amount of exercise on a daily basis. These children will have bad days and good days, when they feel as though they can do more. Parents should never push a child with asthma too much. Allow the child to decide how much activity they feel comfortable with.

The emotional trauma from an asthma attack can be difficult the first few times. The start of asthma can begin when a child is a baby or even in grade school. During an attack a child will feel very scared and vulnerable and may need comfort immediately. The child can become increasingly terrified as they labor to get enough air in to their lungs. Some children say they feel as though they are being suffocated.