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Despite the dramatic number of asthma-related deaths in recent years, this is a disease to be respected, not feared.
In the United States, roughly five million children have some form of asthma. Although it can occur at any age, asthma is more commonly seen in childhood. With proper management, however, children with asthma can lead active, normal lives.
Wheezing that originates from the lungs is a primary characteristic of asthma. In children, the disease may manifest itself only as noisy breathing. Breathing of this sort typically is accompanied by tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Because youngsters experience frequent colds and respiratory illnesses, asthma often is difficult to diagnose in young children.
Children whose asthma comes on at an early age are not likely to recognize abnormal breathing problems. This is a cause for concern, given that 80 percent of those with asthma develop symptoms before age five. Knowing what triggers an attack is key in the management of asthma and in the ability of the child to take control of the situation.
For children as well as adults, common asthma triggers include tobacco smoke, animal dander, dust, chemicals, aerosol sprays, viruses, cockroaches and exercise. Among the population that lives in high-density housing, where homes are in close proximity, cockroaches also are suspected in the increase of asthma. The incidence of and death rate from asthma is highest among African American children. Poverty also is a variable where barriers to health care may keep parents from seeking the treatment their child may need.
While earlier studies have concentrated on identifying the triggers that induce asthma, significant progress has been made in recent years to control the disease through medication and hand-held, patient-administered measuring devices. These developments have allowed those with asthma to better predict when an attack is looming and to intervene with appropriate medications. With proper parental oversight, elementary school-age children can learn to regulate their asthma and to use medications safely and effectively.
Giving children greater responsibility over the control of their asthma has significantly decreased the stigma associated with the disease. Psychological factors, however, still adversely affect a youngster's ability to cope. Because of the attention given them, such children often stand the risk of being singled out as "sickly" or "disabled." School is one such setting where children can face ostracism, or perhaps the fear of it, because of the disease. They may, for example, be embarrassed to take their medications in front of others. The physical side-effects of medication also can affect their concentration and energy levels. It is essential that school personnel -- teachers, coaches, school nurses and others -- be educated about the child's capabilities and limitations. They should be aware of how often medications are to be taken and the course of action to follow should medications fail. It is a good idea to file a letter at the school from the child's physician explaining such treatment.
Creating an optimum environment for children with asthma is an attainable goal. Working hand-in-hand, parents and teachers can:
- Reduce and/or eliminate known irritants that trigger asthma attacks
- Develop an awareness among others of the effects of asthma and asthma medications on children
- Encourage confidence in children with asthma, rather than focus on their limitations. Properly managed, childhood asthma need not be the debilitating disease it was in the past.
More information about asthma can be obtained on the following agency websites: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immuneology, www.aaaai.org/public/publicedmat/tips/childhoodasthma.stm, or the Childhood Asthma Foundation, www.childasthma.com/about.html
or contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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