As spring blossoms, there is an increase in pollen and other allergens which makes it a challenging time for children who have asthma. But how do you know if your child has asthma?
Expert pediatric pulmonologist, Chantal Spencer Grant, MD, Medical Director in the Division of Pulmonology in the Department of Pediatrics at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, shares key signs to look for and tips for managing the condition.
Chantal Spencer Grant, MD
Asthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow causing an increased production of secretions inside the bronchial tubes making it hard to breathe. About 4.5 million children in the United States ages 0-17 years have asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is one of the leading causes of chronic illness in children.
“It’s important to understand that there is no cure for asthma but it can be easily managed,” says Dr. Grant, who is also Associate Professor, Pediatrics, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “Some kids do outgrow asthma as they get older, but if they don’t, it’s a condition that can be treated so the child can live a normal life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, going for yearly check-ups, and getting vaccinations are all things that can also help manage the condition.”
Here are the top five symptoms to watch for:
- Wheezing: A high pitch whistling sound when breathing.
- Coughing: A persistent cough especially when your child is doing physical activity or at nighttime.
- Shortness of Breath: Frequent difficulty or rapid breathing or feeling like your child is not getting enough air.
- Chest Tightness or Pain: Complaining of chest hurting or feeling pressure in the chest area.
- Tiredness: Feeling of weakness more than usual or having lower energy than normal.
If you have questions or if you are concerned that your child may have asthma, contact your child’s pediatrician and/or a pediatric pulmonology specialist.
- Manage allergy symptoms as they can affect a child’s asthma symptoms. Avoid key triggers like allergens including pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and irritants such as smoke.
- Keep an eye out for weather changes. Avoid drastic temperature changes where possible. For example, a cold air-conditioned room might trigger symptoms.
- Manage respiratory infections like a cold or flu. These can lead to wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest, which can lead to asthma flare-ups.
- Have an asthma action plan in place. Follow a personalized plan put together by your child’s medical team that specifies what to do if your child has an asthma attack, and know the key asthma signs to look for.
- Take allergy and/or asthma medications regularly or as prescribed by your child’s doctor.
- Stay informed. Educate yourself and your child about what asthma is, the key triggers, and how to manage and prevent it. The more informed you are the better. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor at any time with questions or concerns.