Asthma is a respiratory condition in which your airways inflame and swell in response to certain triggers. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma is the most common type of chronic illness found in American children. Asthma in itself is treatable, though it cannot be cured. Asthma-related deaths in children are primarily caused by a lack of prompt treatment. However, some symptoms are more difficult to detect, particularly in younger children.
Risk Factors
Children are prone to complications from asthma because their lungs' airways are narrower than those of adults. Heredity, gender and ethnicity can influence a child's likelihood of an asthma fatality. According to Health Central, African American children are the likeliest to die from an asthma attack, followed by Hispanic children and Caucasian children. Health Central says this might be attributed to a disparity in health care. The AAFA reports that although boys are more likely to develop asthma, more girls die from complications.
Types
There are primarily two ways in which children develop asthma. The AAFA explains that in children, asthma is either inherited from a family member or from exposure to external factors, also called atopic asthma. The chances of a child developing asthma is even greater if his mother has it. Children who have allergies or have a predisposition to developing them can develop allergic asthma. Triggers for allergic asthma can include pollen, mold, milk, wheat, eggs and tobacco smoke.
Symptoms
Common asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, excessive coughing and wheezing. The key to detecting an oncoming asthma attack in a child is by listening to his breath and asking him if his chest feels tight. You should also look for signs that may indicate a life-threatening asthma attack. Health Central says that signs can include blue-tinged skin, unconsciousness, extremely shallow breathing and a sucking-in of the chest.
Complications
According to Health Central, there is an increased risk of asthma death as you age. Hence, children are the least likely to die from asthma than the elderly. Asthma can vary in severity, but its dangers are still prevalent. Health Central reports that approximately 30 percent people who of die from asthma-related complications have mild asthma.
Prevention
According to the AAFA, asthma-related complications are the leading cause of emergency room visits in children. Health Central points out that an asthma attack can become life-threatening within three minutes. Do not take even the seemingly mildest of symptoms lightly, and treat them promptly with a rescue medication, such as an inhaler. Rescue medications allow the airways to open up, which helps your child breathe easier. Call your physician immediately if symptoms do not improve.
