Childhood Asthma

Childhood asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways in a child’s lungs become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult for the child to breathe. It is a common condition and can vary in severity, ranging from mild episodes to severe attacks that require immediate medical attention.

Key Features of Childhood Asthma:

• Inflammation of Airways: The airways become swollen and produce extra mucus, making breathing challenging.
• Hyper-responsiveness: The airways become overly sensitive to various triggers, leading to constriction.

Symptoms:

• Wheezing (whistling sound during breathing)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Frequent coughing, especially at night or early morning
• Fatigue due to disrupted sleep from symptoms

Common Triggers:

• Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander.
• Irritants: Smoke, pollution, strong odors, or perfumes.
• Respiratory Infections: Common colds or flu.
• Exercise-Induced: Physical activity, especially in cold or dry air.
• Weather Changes: Cold air or sudden temperature shifts.
• Emotional Stress: Anxiety or excessive laughing or crying.

Causes:
While the exact cause isn’t always clear, a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role:

• Family history of asthma, allergies, or eczema.
• Premature birth or low birth weight.
• Exposure to tobacco smoke, pollution, or allergens early in life.