Childhood Asthma

Kevin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:25:17 +0000

Childhood asthma is one of the most chronic diseases prevalent among children in the US. According to a 2006 estimate, nearly 6.8 million under 18 children with about 1.2 million under 5 had asthma. Many of them with asthma had experienced attacks while several of them had not been diagnosed so far. Hidden asthma is known to exist among many children in the US.

Of the many alarming figures that emerged from the 2006 study, childhood asthma was said to be higher among the 5-17 age group which was nearly 106.3 per a population of 1000 with the figures lessening as they age.

With nearly 10% of the population stricken, childhood asthma has become a serious health issue in the US. Under 18, the rate was far higher than those over 18 which highlight the seriousness of the issue.
Children under 15 with asthma ranked third among their group to be hospitalized. Nearly 32.6 per cent of children, those under 15, had to be hospitalized sometime or the other for asthma attacks. Figures don’t speak much as children under 15 years of age form only 27.8 per cent of the US population.

Asthmatic children miss school
It is not possible to lead normal lives when there is an episode of asthma. School going children with asthma cannot attend school when they experience an attack. In the US, school absenteeism due to asthma was one of the most common causes as reported in 2003. Children in the age group of 5 to 17 missed nearly 12.8 million school days as a result of at least one asthma attack in a single year.

Children not only miss school but cannot play their favorite games as asthma attacks slow down breathing which becomes increasingly labored as the attack intensifies. Exercises and very active life for asthmatics can lead to aggravation of the problem and children miss out on games and outdoor life because of this health hazard.

Childhood asthma like asthma in adults cannot be cured but can be contained by medication. American Lung Association has taken up the control of childhood asthma treating it as a top priority.

Asthma advice

Kevin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:21:00 +0000

Chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing at night or very early in the morning and a whistling sound while breathing are common symptoms of asthma which is a chronic lung disease that narrows and inflames the airways.

Airways constrict during asthma and are lined with mucus during exposures to smoke, cold or warm air, stress and exertion, pet dander, perfume or strong stimulants. Most common trigger among children for constant coughing is a viral illness like common cold.

Unlike individuals not affected by asthma, brisk walking or exercises and stress can leave them short of breath for a while. Usual symptoms of asthma that can range from mild attacks to life threatening episodes where breathing becomes labored and extremely difficult but can be kept under control with a combination of drugs and exposure to healthy environments.

How serious is asthma
Recent studies have increased public awareness as they revealed a growing incidence of asthma among urban children—nearly one in four—in developed countries. In the United States alone, nearly 22 million people are affected by asthma of which 6 million are children.

Researchers have also tried to unravel the complexities causing asthma and have found a combination of genetic and environmental factors to be responsible. But they are still at odds figuring out the real causes of asthma that would have solved some problems regarding the severity of the disease and a person’s response to medication.

Asthma problems start when the airways or tubes through which air passes in and out of the lungs, become inflamed and irritated resulting in swelling in reaction to substances like smoke, perfume or any other strong stimulant.

Asthma is a disease that can’t be cured even if you feel fine. It can flare up very fast and it is very important to treat the symptoms as soon as you realize an episode is about to begin. But with advance sin medical science, it is possible to lead a normal and active life as well as sleep well through the night without interruption.

Those affected by asthma need to work out a strong partnership with the doctor and clinic on their health care network as prompt attention is required in the event of an episode.

Health Advice An answer to your medical questions » Asthma

Childhood Asthma

Asthma advice