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Overview
Asthma affects millions of people. In most cases, it starts during childhood. WebMD states that 10 to 12 percent of children in the United States are affected by asthma. "Asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness in children," the website states. "Most children have their first symptoms by age five." There are various signs, symptoms and triggers that intertwine with asthma in pediatrics. Although children are not the only people with asthma, it is more common for asthma attacks to happen during childhood than in adulthood.
Common Signs
The most common signs and symptoms are coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Coughing is a common symptom of many things, so common that it is often overlooked. However, a cough is one of the earliest symptoms of asthma. Such a cough is persistent and does not respond to over-the-counter medications. The wheezing and shortness of breath often appear much later. Thus, it is often a good idea to take a child to the doctor because of a cough--if it is persistent. This is especially important for young children.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Even if your child has only one or two of the above symptoms, if they are persistent, a doctor's attention is needed. Any wheezing that has persisted despite medication is a cause for a call to the doctor. Call an emergency professional if the child has shortness of breath or any of these symptoms accompanied by vomiting or choking. Shortness of breath that is so severe that your child cannot cry or (in adults) speak or even move requires immediate medical attention. Take your child to the doctor if he mentions any of the symptoms.
Life-Threatening Symptoms
Emergency symptoms include difficulty breathing, bluish color in the lips or nails, severe anxiety, speedy pulse and perspiration.
Although anxiety and perspiration may not seem like symptoms, they can either complicate other symptoms or act as a sign of distress. A child that is wheezing and perspiring while at rest is having difficulty breathing--the wheezing that you hear. The perspiration in this case is a sign that the child's body is laboring to take in oxygen. Failure to seek immediate attention for this child may lead to unconsciousness or even death.
If the asthma sufferer has asthma medication, try using medication to ease symptoms until the medical professionals arrive. Always follow a doctor's or emergency professional's advice first.
Triggers
There are various ways that severe asthma symptoms can be triggered. They include tobacco smoke, pollution in the air, dust, animal dander, mold, weather changes (usually cold weather), excess exercise and some medications. If a child has asthma, it is best to avoid as many triggers as possible. Always have emergency medication on hand to treat severe asthma symptoms.
Prevention/Solution
Asthma is not something to be taken lightly. Stay alert for the triggers and watch out for signs and symptoms of asthma. Regular doctor visits, medication and symptom observation are also ways to prevent severe symptoms.
