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Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the breathing tubes, causing them to swell (inflammation), narrow (obstruction), and become sensitive in response to certain stimuli. Asthma may be characterized by periods of wellness (no asthma symptoms) and episodes of exacerbations. The primary symptoms of asthma exacerbations are wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or discomfort, difficulty breathing, and increased mucus production. In infants and small children, the most common cause of exacerbations is respiratory infections. Asthma can be triggered by allergens such as pets, dust mites, pollens, and molds. In addition, the symptoms of asthma can be aggravated by direct irritants, such as cigarette smoke, fireplaces, pollution, cold air, and aerosol sprays.
The lungs consist of airways (bronchi) and air sacs (alveoli). The bronchi carry fresh air (oxygen) into the lungs to the alveoli and carbon dioxide out of the lungs. The alveoli exchange oxygen with carbon dioxide in the blood. The airways are encircled by tiny bands of muscle. These muscles tighten (bronchospasm) in response to things such as dirty, smoky, or polluted air that gets into the lungs. The resulting cough is designed to expel the pollutants. This is a normal and healthy response. However, in people with asthma, the lungs react with inflammation, mucus production, and bronchospasm. In children with asthma, excessive mucus production is also very common and along with inflammation cause further airway obstruction.
Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children. It causes more school absence and work absence among parents than any other disease. It can seem overwhelming to have your child diagnosed with asthma but with proper medical care, asthma is a manageable condition. When properly controlled, children with asthma lead normal lives including taking normal part in activities. Poorly managed asthma may result in decreased activity, school absence, affect growth and development and may lead to decreased lung function as an adult.
How is asthma diagnosed?
The diagnosis of asthma in most cases can be made with a thorough history and physical examination. Depending on your child’s age, pulmonary function testing can be done. Other tests that may be helpful include chest x-ray, allergy tests, blood tests, and a sweat test.
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