Troubled Breathing - Can It Be a Sign of Asthma?

Is your child getting exhausted after a bout of cough? Does he or she suffer from constant wheezing and tightness of the chest? Does your child feel drained out after climbing a flight of stairs? Do you know a child who always seems to run out of breath and cannot participate in school sports tournaments or play outside for a long time? The child could be suffering from asthma, which is a serious breathing problem. Most children are affected by asthma. Staying in a polluted city just makes the condition worse.

Asthma - Know the disease

1. Asthma is a condition that causes inflammation of the airways, known as trachea and bronchioles.
2. The muscles around the airways constrict and prevent the smooth flow of air.
3. The lining of the bronchioles swell and block the airways.
4. Asthma is mostly triggered by an allergic reaction.
5. There is a difficulty in breathing out. Exhalation of air is often accompanied by a wheezing, that is, a whistling sound.
6. There is a constant shortness of breath, feeling out of breath and gasping for air.
7. There is an uncomfortable tightness in the chest, the feeling of not breathing in enough air.
8. Coughing bouts in the middle of the night, that leave the child feeling exhausted and completely out of breath.

Causes of Asthma 

Asthma is mostly triggered by asthma allergens. These allergens are mostly pollens and animal fur.

1. Exposure to pollution, such as dust and smoke
2. Heredity
3. Obesity
4. History of heartburn, GERD and acid reflux
5. Inflammation of sinus and airways
6. History of bronchial disorders and pneumonia
7. Viral infections
8. Chronic rhinitis
9. Low immunity causing constant cold and blockage of nose

Treatments of asthma

1. A nebulizer that turns asthma medicine into a mist can then be inhaled easily
2. An inhaler can be used to take in inhaled steroids into the lungs or a bronchodilutor
3. Try and avoid asthma triggers and allergens as much as possible
4. Avoid physical stress and heat
5. Get sufficient rest of about 7-8 hours every day 

   If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a pulmonologist.