Asthma's Impact on Children and Adolescents
Asthma is a major public health problem of increasing concern in the United States. Between 1980 and 1994, the prevalence of asthma increased 75% overall and 74% among children 5 to 14 years of age. Asthma now affects nearly 5 million people who are younger than 18 years of age. Low-income populations, minorities, and children living in inner cities experience disproportionately higher morbidity and mortality due to asthma.
Currently, there are no preventive measures or cure for asthma; however, children and adolescents who have asthma can still lead quality, productive lives if they control their asthma. Asthma can be controlled by taking medication and by avoiding contact with environmental "triggers" for asthma.
Uncontrolled symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing, can affect many school and extracurricular activities, but with the proper management and medications, an asthmatic child can lead a normal life.
If your child is diagnosed with asthma, there are three important things to remember:
Provide an allergen-free home environment
Even if asthma symptoms are not always present in an asthmatic child, an asthma attack is always a possibility. Exposure to allergens - any substance that can trigger an allergy can also trigger asthma symptoms. Common allergens include:
1. Animal fur or dander (tiny skin flakes and saliva) - all animals with fur, even short fur, have this
2. Pollen from leaves or weeds
3. Mold
4. Cockroaches
5. Cigarette smoke
6. Household dust
Exercise is important
Parents may want to restrict their asthmatic child's physical activity to prevent wheezing. But once a child is taking proper medications, aerobic exercise needs to become part of his or her daily activities. Regular exercise improves airway function and is good for a child's physical health and emotional well-being.
With proper medication and treatment, asthmatic children can participate in any sport, though some activities are considered better for children with asthma. Sports with some periods of activity are less likely to cause asthma symptoms, because they allow you to regain control of your breathing. These activities include:
1. Baseball and softball
2. Volleyball
3. Tennis
4. Walking, hiking or leisure biking
5. Golf
6. Some track and field events
7. Swimming
See a doctor on a regular basis
Since asthma is an ongoing disease, it requires ongoing management and treatment. Even if your child is feeling better, it's important that he or she continues to follow an asthma management and treatment plan, with the help of a physician.
Well-managed asthma also includes using the proper medications. Some of these medications should be used on a daily basis as instructed, even if you are feeling well. This is to prevent asthma flare-ups and to ensure that airways are as open as possible. Make sure you follow your physician's instruction on how to use the prescribed medications.
The better informed you are about your child's asthma triggers and management, the less asthma symptoms will interfere with activities. Together, you and your allergist can work to ensure that asthma does not interfere with your child's quality of life.
Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
