Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition affecting the airways and lungs of millions of Americans each year. For individuals with Asthma their airways become swollen, restricted and produce extra secretions ("Asthma," Mayo Clinic). It is true that asthma has lifelong effects on children. Causes of asthma range from cold air reaction, viruses and allergies. Asthma results in restricted breathing, prolonged illness, as well as the effects of medications additionally there is a higher chance of hospitalization in children.
One theory is people with the condition have a higher amount of inflammation within their airways. Asthma is an inflammatory disease that is in response to inflammatory cells within …show more content…
There is a clear link between asthma and allergies within the body. When the body is in contact with an allergen, it creates antibodies known as IgE Antibodies. Allergy induced asthma comes in forms of both environmental and food induced. Airborne allergy such as pollen and weeds cause both allergy and asthma in children. Other common airborne allergies include a reaction to mold and dust mites. Regardless of the fact that children may love their furry friends, pets commonly cause allergy-induced asthma. The dander that is produced within their fur causes the antibodies within the immune system to overreact. For children with food allergies, they are particularly at risk for asthma. “45.6 percent of children with food allergies have asthma additionally” (Gaffin et al., "Tree Nut Allergy, Egg Allergy, and Asthma in Children" 133-139). Ordinary food allergies that cause asthma in children include milk, eggs, nuts, and wheat. If a child with food allergies comes into contact with their allergen, they are at risk for anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction; signs include hives, red skin, swelling, rapid breathing and slowed pulse ("Anaphylaxis" Mayo Clinic). Anaphylaxis risk increases with each …show more content…
For children with asthma, their physical, social and emotional health becomes affected by the condition. Children with uncontrolled asthma have to miss school and are unable to be with their friends. The signs of asthma in a young child, a parent should be mindful of are shortness of breath and deep cough. In many children, the development of wheezing, chest tightness and pain is very worrisome. Additional warning signs a parent should watch for includes a child that is constantly tired or has trouble breathing with exercise or play. All these signs and symptoms should be mentioned to the child’s pediatrician for further evaluation.
One risk for a child with asthma is an asthmatic attack. An asthma attack is a period of extreme swelling with breathing resulting in wheezing, constricted breathing and narrowing of the airways ("Asthma Attack" Mayo Clinic). An asthma attack can range from mild to severe and can respond well to treatment. In cases of a severe attack, a child may not be able to breathe on their own and require hospitalization. It is essential to be aware of the signs of an impending attack to prevent it from