The Kidd World Media Monthly Blog | Information on Childhood Asthma

-Information Childhood Asthma-

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ABOUT CHILDHOOD ASTHMA

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood.

In 2004, an estimated 4 million children under 18 years old have had an asthma attack in the past 12 months, and many others have "hidden" or undiagnosed asthma. Asthma is the most common cause of school absenteeism due to chronic disease and accounted for an estimated 14 million lost school days.

Even though asthma cannot be cured, it can almost always be controlled. For this reason, the American Lung Association has chosen control of childhood asthma as one of its top priorities.

The better you and your child understand asthma and its treatment, the better you will be able to control it

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CHILDHOOD ASTHMA?

Wheezing, though characteristic of Childhood Asthma is not the most common symptom. Coughing is noted especially with even "hidden" asthma when wheezing may not be apparent to the patient, his or her family or the physician.

Any child who has frequent coughing or respiratory infections (pneumonia or bronchitis) should be evaluated for Childhood Asthma.

The child who coughs after running or crying may have asthma. Recurrent night cough is common, as asthma is often worse at night.

Infants who have asthma often have a rattly cough, rapid breathing and may have an excessive number of "pneumonias," episodes of bronchitis or "chest colds." Obvious wheezing episodes might not be noted until after 18 to 24 months of age.4

Chest tightness and shortness of breath are other symptoms of asthma that may occur alone or in combination with any of the above symptoms. Since these symptoms can occur for reasons other than asthma, other respiratory diseases must always be considered.

In a young child the discomfort of chest tightness may lead to unexplained irritability.

Remember: Any child who has frequent coughing or respiratory infections (pneumonia or bronchitis) should be evaluated for asthma.