More than 12% of Egyptian Children suffer from asthma as stated by Prof. Hisham Tarraf, Professor of Medicine and allergy, during World Asthma Day 2015 that was held in Egypt.
Asthma is not curable however it is controllable. Good management of asthma can reduce the nasty breathlessness, wheezing and coughing. Good control of asthma starts by understanding why asthma attacks happen and what can be done to prevent them.
So, what is asthma?
Asthma is a respiratory condition marked by attacks of spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. It is usually connected to an allergic reaction or other forms of hypersensitivity.
What causes asthma?
The exact cause of asthma isn’t known. However, it is thought that genetic factors and environmental factors (eg. certain respiratory infections in infancy or early childhood) interact to cause asthma.
What are the common signs?
Common signs include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Sometimes asthma symptoms are mild and can be easily treated with asthma medication, while other times, symptoms continue to get worse. Controlling symptoms of asthma helps your child breathe, explore, and enjoy life to the max.
What factors trigger or worsen Asthma?
- Exposure to allergens (e.g. dust and pollen grains)
- Exposure to Irritants (e.g. cigarette smoke and pollution)
- Some medicines
- Some food preservatives in foods and drinks
- Upper respiratory infections (Viral), such as colds
- Excess physical activity, including exercise
How to decrease the chance of Asthma attacks or lessen the symptoms?
Avoid the triggers such as allergens. For instance:
- Use allergy-proof covers the pillows of your child’s bed, remove carpets and stuff toys from bedrooms.
- Avoid smoking around your kids or going to areas where people smoke.
- Avoid harsh cleaning products and chemicals.
- Help your child avoid stress, as extreme emotions can trigger symptoms.
- Limit outdoor activity on the days where air quality is compromised.
- Keep quick-relief asthma medicines within reach at ALL times.
- Remember, acute asthma attacks can be preventable. Work on increasing your child’s immunity from infections. Consult your doctor about the world’s number 1 immunostimulant for your child.
IF you CANNOT BREATHE…NOTHING ELSE MATTERS
Can you eventually clear up asthma in children or is it something that will grow into their adulthood and continue with them for the rest of their lives? I know you mentioned all the treatment options and how to make it a lot easier for your child which is helpful. I just hope that you can cure it as a child.