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Overview
Asthma is a debilitating disease that restricts the air flow to the lungs, making it hard for the sufferer to catch his breath. Asthma may be fatal in some cases when the airways do not open in time to save the victim's life. Un-medicated asthma sufferers risk oxygen deprivation if there is no medication on hand to open up the airways to allow oxygen into the lungs. Symptoms of asthma in babies may be more difficult to detect than those of an adult due to the fact that babies are unable to convey what is troubling them. Educated guesswork may come into play when weighing the symptoms of asthma in babies.
Effects
Symptoms of asthma in babies include coughing. If your baby's cough is chronic (which means it doesn't go away) and perhaps more troublesome at night, your baby may have asthma. The baby may awaken suddenly and start coughing and can't stop. Gasping and wheezing may be present as the baby fights for air. If you see a bluish tinge to the skin and lips, this is due to oxygen deprivation and the baby should be rushed to the emergency room right away.
Signs
The asthmatic baby may have a runny nose that doesn't go away coupled with an itchy throat. Fatigue and sleepiness may also be observed in your baby due to the strain of continual coughing. The doctor will most likely prescribe Ventolin to help keep the baby's airways open to enable sufficient oxygen to enter the lungs.
Features
Take your baby to the pediatrician if she is breathing very fast. While the fast breathing may simply be due to an upper respiratory infection, it may be asthma and needs medical attention.
Significance
Asthma attacks may be brought on by many things. Cold-induced asthma will make the asthmatic cough uncontrollably due to the sudden change from a warm to a cold atmosphere.
Pet Dander
Asthma attacks may be brought on by simple reasons such as dust, pollen and a high particulate count outside in an urban area. Dander and hair from pets may bring on an asthma attack. The best way to handle an asthmatic baby is to keep asthma "triggers" away from him. This will ensure that the baby gets enough air and has quality of life without suffering needless attacks.
