Pediatric Asthma - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction:

Pediatric asthma is a respiratory disorder. It occurs due to an inflammatory response in the bronchi (airways) during childhood. Asthma is more common in children than adults. The lining in the air passages becomes swollen. The toddlers and older children expel thick mucus due to respiratory infection. The breathing muscles become stiff in pediatric asthma. The narrowing of airways in children hinders airflow. The article talks in detail about childhood or pediatric asthma, and its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Pediatric Asthma?

• Family History - Children with a genetic inheritance of allergic reactions or asthma show an increased risk of pediatric asthma. Young boys are more prone to pediatric asthma than girls.

• Allergy - The air pollutants, mold in foods, inhalation of second-hand smoke, and dust can cause allergic reactions in both toddlers and older children. It triggers pediatric asthma.

• Infection - Respiratory infections like the common cold or flu in children under five years of age may develop into symptoms of pediatric asthma in the future.

• Physical Activity - The children involved in physical activities like playing and running during cold or humid weather are prone to pediatric asthma attacks.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pediatric Asthma?

The children with symptoms similar to the common cold, and it is difficult to differentiate between pediatric asthma and other respiratory illnesses. However, take necessary measures if the symptoms stay for a long period. The symptoms of pediatric or childhood asthma are as follows;

• Cough - The child coughs during the day, and it becomes worse during the night. It becomes severe if the child has a high temperature or cold. Spontaneous cough is present during sleep in older children.

• Wheezing - During inhalation and exhalation, a whistling noise is heard from the toddlers or child. It shows symptoms of wheezing.

• Shortness of Breath - The child is unable to carry out physical activities like running and climbing because of breathing difficulties.

• Infections - Toddlers are more prone to respiratory infections and take more time than usual to recover from respiratory illness.

• Fatigue - The toddler becomes exhausted and does not show interest in playing. The toddler has trouble falling asleep due to difficulty in breathing.

• Chest Pain - Older children can communicate with their parents about their respiratory illnesses. They often complain about pain in the chest. The energy level is very low even during the day.

What Are the Signs of Pediatric Asthma Attack?

In severe cases of pediatric asthma, signs of respiratory distress or asthma attack are observed. It is a life-threatening condition, so the parents must seek help from medical professionals. The signs of a pediatric asthma attack are as follows;

• The child gasps for breath to complete one respiratory cycle.

• A bluish tint is observed on the lips due to low oxygen levels.

• The level of blood pressure decreases. This state is known as hypotension.

• There is an irregular heart rate (high or low).

• The child looks agitated or confused every time.

How Is Pediatric Asthma Diagnosed in Children?

It is difficult to diagnose pediatric asthma in toddlers as they are unable to communicate. The pediatrician recommends a few diagnostic measures to identify pediatric asthma. They are as follows;

• Blood or Allergy Test - The inflammatory markers can be evaluated in the blood or allergy test from the skin. The triggering agents can be identified with the help of an allergy test.

• Chest X-rays - The changes in the air passages are identified using a chest X-ray. It is useful to observe the chest area during severe asthma attacks. The ribs and lung conditions in children can be diagnosed in a single radiographic image.

• Spirometry - Spirometry is a test used to diagnose lung function in young children and infants. It measures the inspiratory and expiratory airflow in children during respiration. The capacity of the lungs in infants can be assessed using spirometry.

• Peak Flow Monitor - A peak flow monitor is used to measure the air blown out from the lungs. It is especially used to monitor the child's lung response to the treatment. It is useful for monitoring the functional lung capacity (volume of air in the lungs after a maximum aspiration) of young children.

What Are the Different Types of Treatment Methods for Pediatric Asthma?

The pediatrician prescribes the medication for children based on the age and severity of pediatric or childhood asthma. The medications are as follows;

• Bronchodilators - The narrowing of air passages can be controlled using bronchodilators. It is also used to relieve cough and wheezing and ease breathing in young children.

• Anti-Inflammatory Drugs - Pediatric asthma worsens due to the triggers that cause inflammation in the bronchi (airways). This inflammatory response can be reduced with anti-inflammatory drugs in children.

• Anti-Leukotrienes - These medications are given to the child through the oral route. The narrowing of the airways can be prevented by anti-leukotrienes. It is used to control allergic rhinitis or flu. Anti-leukotriene reduces the mucus in the bronchi (airways) and helps with breathing.

• Immunotherapy - Allergen-specific immunotherapy drugs are used to control allergies in children 12 years of age and above. These drugs are usually prescribed for severe asthmatic attack cases in older children. Immunotherapeutic drugs must be used only on the advice of a medical professional.

What Are the Complications Associated With Pediatric Asthma?

Uncontrolled asthma can lead to the following complications;

• Severe asthma attacks are life-threatening.

• It can lead to permanent damage to the airways.

• The child is admitted to the emergency room most of the time.

• The child is unable to continue their studies due to respiratory illness.

Conclusion

Though asthma cannot go away completely and patients cannot fully recover, parents should take steps to prevent asthma. Keep the children away from the source that triggers asthma. Pediatric asthma should be managed with a long-term treatment plan. Closely watch the children and know about the signs and symptoms before they become worse. Discuss with a child specialist how to manage the child when asthma worsens. It is the best way to find the child’s needs. Mention the child's condition on the school file and keep the emergency medication in his or her bag. Call healthcare if unable to control the child’s symptoms or face difficulty in managing daily activities and get medical help immediately.