I'll never forget the night I discovered I had asthma. One minute I was sound asleep and then suddenly I was pounding on the wall, struggling to catch my next breath. I was rushed to the emergency room where my parents were told I'd suffered an asthma attack.
Some Symptoms of Asthma
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways. The inflammation makes the airways overly sensitive. Once the airways become irritated, they begin to constrict.
•Shortness of breath
•Wheezing
•Coughing
•Tightness in the chest
•Shortness of breath
The symptoms of asthma vary from child to child. Not all children wheeze and wheezing doesn't necessarily mean your child has asthma. A doctor will consider the history of your child's symptoms before diagnosing asthma.
Causes of Asthma
The causes, or triggers, of asthma vary, as do the symptoms. Once you identify the triggers, you can attempt to avoid them.
•Dust
•Pollen
•Weather changes
•Environmental pollutants
•Exercise
•Reflux disease
•Upper respiratory infections
•Pet dander
•Mold
As you can see, many things in our environment can affect your child's breathing. It's important to diagnose and treat asthma to help your child have the best physical health possible.
A medical emergency:
A severe asthma attack can be life-threatening. That fact was made apparent to me recently.
I've had my asthma under control for several years. However, due to the combination of a bad upper respiratory infection and stress it got out of hand. I was rushed to the emergency room. The medical staff was amazing. They quickly and efficiently assessed the situation, provided me with excellent care, and I was released a few hours later, breathing easier.
If your child has trouble breathing, immediately seek medical help. Asthma attacks vary in their severity and can quickly become life-threatening.
Your child can live a productive life even with asthma. Proper diagnosis and treatment make a difference, though. There are many resources for asthmatics. Follow your physician's advice, do some research, and help your child live a happier, healthier life.
Here are a couple of informative sites.
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-asthma/DS00849
American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22782
Need some fun ideas for the kids? Or maybe family resources like stories, crafts, tips, and simple snack ideas? Visit Lisa Kirby's blog at http://www.familyfunandfood.blogspot.com for ideas on bringing your family together, having fun, and living a more simple life.
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