Pediatric asthma can be triggered or aggravated by exercise and physical activity. It can be difficult to detect asthma in children, who may not share their symptoms with you initially. When breathing becomes more difficult or challenging, it could be a sign of asthma or another underlying medical condition. Knowing the triggers and symptoms will help make it easier for you to get the right kind of medical attention for your child.
Symptoms
Asthma directly affects the lungs and their airways. As airways become inflamed, breathing can become difficult and in severe cases, impossible. Some of the common symptoms of pediatric asthma include tightness in the chest, wheezing or whistling as you breathe, coughing and shortness of breath. If your child has asthma, as she overexerts herself with sporting activities or exercise, she may appear to be more out of breath than usual. It may also be difficult for her to catch her breath and slow her breathing down once she is at rest.
Causes
Asthma is generally a chronic breathing disorder and can appear in children as their lungs mature. More than 5 million children in the U.S. have asthma, reports the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. It can be difficult for a general practitioner to find an exact cause of the asthma, especially if it occurs sporadically. An allergist or pulmonologist may be able to pinpoint the underlying cause if the asthma is chronic and occurs frequently. Most children report the tightness begins once they are exercising and the cardiovascular system is working hard.
Treatment
If asthma is suspected, your child's physician may recommend a PFT or pulmonary function test. This test uses a series of instruments and techniques to determine lung function and lung volume. The doctor may also test the level of arterial blood gases, lung-diffusing capacity and airway resistance. This will help pinpoint the severity of the asthma and facilitate a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis has been made, there are several recommendations for treatment. Short-acting albuterol inhalers are recommended before exertion or exercise to prevent bronchospasms. Regular breathing treatments after exercise can also help with keeping airways clear. The goal of treatment is for your child to be able to maintain a normal activity level and function safely when exerting the lungs.
Precaution
It is important to heed your child if she explains she has any discomfort upon exertion and exercise. Asthma is not a disease to be taken lightly. A severe attack can strike quickly and action must be taken immediately in order to establish life-saving measures. Signs that an attack is life-threatening include failure to respond quickly to a fast-acting inhaler, chest pain, cessation of breathing or a bluish color to the face and lips. Call for emergency assistance immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Asthma Causes; Mayo Clinic Staff; May 27, 2010
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Pediatric Asthma
- Madigan Army Medical Center; Exercise Induced Asthma, Pediatric; August 2006
- Asthma Initiative of Michigan; Pulmonary Function Tests; March 17, 2011
- MedlinePlus; Asthma; July 14, 2010
