Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children, which affects between 7 and 15% of children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. In Spain, it has a high prevalence, which stands at almost 15%, higher than the average of other countries in our environment.
It is characterized by episodes of respiratory distress caused by bronchial inflammation that obstructs the airway in whole or in part. It is associated with episodes of cough, beeps when breathing and a choking sensation. Asthma has no curebut you can take measures to relieve symptoms.
Avoid asthma triggers
Once asthma is diagnosed, the first thing to do is to prevent the child from being exposed to the triggers:
- Mites that live in house dust
- Pollens of plants, flowers, trees, etc.
- Animal skin (cat, dog, birds, etc.), although there are studies that indicate that babies living with dogs have a lower risk of developing asthma
- Cold, colds and viruses
- Stress or aspirin can also aggravate asthma
- Tobacco smoke, a nonspecific main irritant for the bronchi
Physical activity and asthma
Physical activity and asthma are not incompatible. In children with asthma, symptoms often appear after physical activity, which is known as effort asthma.
AdvertisingThis does not mean that you should stop practicing sports, as regular and moderate physical activity acts beneficially on the immune system and may reduce allergic inflammation.
It is advisable for these children to make correct warm-ups, and try to avoid outdoor sports on very cold or windy days, or on days that you have previously had asthma symptoms. In some specific cases it may also be useful to take the medication before performing the sport.
Asthma medications
There are two basic types of medications for the treatment of asthma: prolonged control medications with anti-inflammatory action, which correct the inflammation of the bronchi and are used for long periods of time to prevent asthma symptoms (inhaled steroids, long-acting bronchodilators, leukotriene inhibitors and disodium cromoglycate) and quick relief medications or bronchodilators that work quickly to control asthma attacks (inhalers).
Children who use an inhaler should use a "spacer" device or chamber to help the medication reach the lungs properly. The technique for applying medications is very important, since the effectiveness of the treatment depends on it, although only 9% of asthma patients use their inhaler correctly. Here we tell you how to do good inhalers with children without crying and be hell.
Monitor symptoms
Asthma attacks do not usually appear without warning, so using a spirometer to measure air flow is one of the best ways to control asthma.
Young children will not know how to use it alone, so adult help will be necessary to get used to its use from an early age.
Bringing the treatment to the table and monitoring the symptoms is key to being able to react on time and prevent crises from occurring.
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In Babies and more | Eight tips to control asthma in children
