Asthma is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways in the lungs. Children with asthma cane exhibit several symptoms, including cough. The cough in childhood asthma is often dry and rattling, and if persistent, can indicate a worsening in the child's condition. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, coughing is a protective mechanism against allergens and infection. There are several causes of this cough.
Bronchospasm
One of the characteristics of asthma is narrowing of the airways, known as bronchospasm. The anatomy of the chest is similar to a tree with many branches. The main trunk gives off two main bronchi, which in turn divide into smaller airways and so on to the microscopic level where air exchange between the lungs and the blood takes place. In children with asthma, these airways become clogged with mucous and other cellular debris as a result of the inflammatory process. Also, the inflammation surrounding the airways narrows them considerably. The cough is a response to these conditions. It is part of the body's attempt to clear the airways, overcome the inflammation and improve air exchange.
Allergies
Allergies are a common trigger of asthma in children. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma, affecting more than 2.5 million children. Allergies trigger asthma by stimulating the release of a protein called IgE, which causes broncho-constriction, resulting in cough. Allergies also cause cough by increasing the inflammation in the nasal tissue, increasing the amount of postnasal drip, or drainage of mucous to the back of the throat. This also triggers the coughing mechanism in the body's attempt to clear the nose and the throat of mucous and phlegm.
Gastroesophageal reflux
Children with asthma who have a chronic cough lasting more than four weeks should be evaluated for the possibility of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD results from a weak lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that prevents the stomach contents and acid to reflux into the esophagus. Children with reflux often have hoarse voices, frequent cough, difficulty swallowing or episodes of choking. They usually do not describe the heartburn feeling most adults associate with reflux.
