The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that nearly 10 percent of the children in the U.S. have asthma, which is a larger percentage than for adults. Asthma is especially dangerous for children because of their still-developing respiratory and immune systems. If your allergy clinic has said that your child has asthma, it's important to get treatment for them now, before they develop issues that follow them into their adult lives.
The Challenges of Asthma Treatment
No one knows what causes asthma or why some children have violent asthma attacks while others have milder ones. Asthma treatments focus on reducing the symptoms, which can be life-threatening to the child. An asthma attack creates a reaction in many of the parts of the body that are related to breathing and include:
The symptoms can make breathing difficult for your child. They may even have a panic response when they can't "catch their breath." An uncontrolled asthma attack in a child often leads to an emergency room visit.
The Treatment of Asthma
Asthma treatments are focused on two areas: immediate relief of life-threatening symptoms and the reduction of minor or moderate symptoms so the child can function normally in their daily activities.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs - These are often steroid-based and reduce the inflammation in the airway and the excess production of mucous. These are used to prevent a moderate asthma attack from becoming life-threatening. The steroid versions are not used for regular maintenance because of the side-effects of steroids on the child.
Bronchodilators - These drugs provide immediate relaxation of the muscle around the airway, allowing your child to breath easier. Short-acting versions of this drug are used to control a current attack. The long-acting versions are used to prevent an attack should the child face a potential trigger, such as increased physical activity.
Prednisone - This steroid is used in the event of a severe attack. It can be used to help your child to breath while you get them to the emergency room. Once the asthma is under control, your child will go back to their regular daily medications.
Failure to get your child the asthma treatment they need can result in long-term damage to their esophagus and lungs. This will continue into their adult life with little chance of improvement. Talk to places like Allergy Partners of Fredericksburg for more information.
Share19 February 2015
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