Asthma - pediatric Health Article

Definition

Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system, which causes swelling and narrowing of the airways. Pediatric asthma refers to asthma in children.

Alternative Names

Pediatric asthma

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

This article discusses asthma in children. For a more general discussion about the disease, please see asthma.

Asthma is commonly seen in children. It is a leading cause of hospital stays and school absences. Children with asthma may be able to breathe normally most of the time. When they encounter a substance that can cause problems (a "trigger"), an asthma attack (exacerbation) can occur.

Common asthma triggers include:

• Animals (hair or dander)
• Aspirin and other medications
• Changes in weather (most often cold weather)
• Chemicals in the air or in food
• Dust
• Exercise
• Mold
• Pollen
• Strong emotions
• Tobacco smoke
• Viral infections, such as the common cold

In recent years, there has been a worldwide increase in the number of children with asthma. This trend has been linked to environmental factors, including air pollution. However, it is important to understand that indoor triggers can play just as much of a role as outdoor triggers in bringing on an asthma attack.

Children's airways are narrower than those of adults. This means that triggers that may cause only a slight problem in an adult can create more serious problems in children. In children, an asthma attack can appear suddenly with severe symptoms. For this reason, it is important that asthma be diagnosed and treated correctly. Some children may need to take medicine every day, even when they do not have symptoms.

Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing
• Fast (rapid) breathing
• Shortness of breath, even at rest
• Tightness in the chest
• Cough

Note: A persistent night-time cough is one common sign of asthma, even in children without other symptoms.

Emergency symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Bluish color to the lips and face
• Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath
• Rapid pulse
• Sweating
• Decreased level of alertness, such as severe drowsiness or confusion

Signs and tests

The doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to the lungs. Asthma-related sounds may be heard. However, lung sounds are usually normal between asthma episodes.

Tests may include:

• Lung function tests
• Peak flow measurements
• Chest x-ray
• Allergy skin or blood tests
• Arterial blood gas
• Eosinophil count (a type of white blood cell)