Shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing in your child can be very scary to both your child and yourself. These symptoms are usually due to asthma and can happen without warning. The triggers for asthma may be the same or different with each child, so it is important to talk to your doctor if you are concerned your child may have shortness of breath due to asthma.
Asthma Flare-up
According to MayoClinic.com, childhood asthma is the most common chronic illness in children. It is also the cause of more limits on activity in children than any other disease in the United States. An asthma flare-up, also known as an asthma attack, episode or exacerbation, is when asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing become more severe or more frequent. This may be due to your child being overly sensitive to certain triggers, such as smoke, viral infection, cold air or allergies.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an asthma flare-up may include your child having shortness of breath, struggling to breathe, rapid breathing even if sitting still, being unable to speak more than a few words without pausing and having retractions in the neck and chest. Retractions are the sucking in of muscles while inhaling.
Causes
Shortness in breath in kids due to asthma is the result of certain triggers to which your child may be overly sensitive. Common triggers include tobacco smoke, exercise, cold air, infections, mold, dust mites and cockroaches. You should talk to your doctor to determine the specific triggers for your child.
Treatment
Treatment for shortness in breath in kids includes rescue medications. These medications are also known as quick-relief or fast-acting medications. It will stop the symptoms quickly by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making them wider and allowing breathing to become easier within a few minutes.
Prevention
If your child has asthma, you can prevent your child from having flare-ups and shortness of breath by making sure your child always carries an inhaler, teaching him how to avoid his triggers and making sure you child takes the controller medication as directed, even when your child is feeling better. You should work with your doctor to determine an effective asthma action plan.
