Asthma more prevalent in children aged 5-14
Bronchial asthma is a condition in which airways are inflamed and become more sensitive. When sensitive airways are exposed to certain triggers, they overreact, become narrower and breathing becomes difficult.
If the condition is not managed well, it can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks. Asthma can begin at any age, but most children who have it, have their first symptoms by the age of 5.
Childhood asthma is common in Bangladesh. An estimated 7 million people, including 4 million children, suffer from asthma-related symptoms in the country.
In general, asthma is found to be more prevalent in children aged 5-14, compared to adults. Approximately, 80 percent of all asthmatic patients report disease onset before 6 years of age. Common asthma signs and symptoms in children include coughing (particularly at night), wheezing, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, tightness or discomfort.
Children are at a higher risk for wheezing if they are born prematurely and if mothers smoke during their pregnancy or have a family history of asthma or allergies.
The exact cause of sensitive airways and asthma attacks are unknown. A combination of inherent biologic and genetic susceptibilities and environmental exposures have been implicated.
The common causes of asthma attacks include viral infections -- especially upper respiratory tract infections such as cold or flu, dust, smoking, weed pollens, animal dander and pet allergens.
Anxiety disorders can develop in children with asthma three times more than non-asthmatic children.
If a child's asthma symptoms are severe, parents must consult a specialist. The doctor will give the child right amount and type of medication.
Severe asthma may be life threatening and children should receive frequent doses of nebulised bronchodilators. Once improving, patients should be switched to an MDI (metered-dose inhaler) with spacer.
Children with severe asthma or oxygen saturation (SpO2) below 92 percent should receive oxygen. Early use of systemic corticosteroids reduces the need for hospital admission and prevents relapse, but the whole process must be followed upon consultation with doctors.
Asthma can't be cured, but the symptoms can be reduced by following an asthma action plan that can be developed upon consulting physicians to track symptoms and adjust treatment. With proper treatment, even severe asthma can be kept under control.
Dr Rukhsana Parvin is an assistant professor at Department of Pediatrics, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College.
Comments