Childhood asthma affects almost five million children in the United States, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Children who have asthma may miss school or other activities if their symptoms are not carefully controlled. While there is no cure for asthma, several inhaled asthma medications can be helpful in relieving or preventing breathing problems.
Identification
Asthma occurs when inflammation causes the airways in the lungs to swell. Inflammation is accompanied by tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways. This tightening narrows the airways and makes breathing more difficult. Inflammation also causes the airways to produce an excessive amount of mucus, which contributes to breathing difficulties. Asthma symptoms occur when the lungs become overly sensitive when exposed to certain stimuli, such as cigarette smoke, perfume, dust, pollen, animal dander or viral infections. In some cases, symptoms may occur during exercise or after exposure to cold air.
Symptoms
Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, cough or a tight feeling in the chest. Symptoms may occur shortly after exposure to an asthma trigger or may be more constant. In some children, a chronic nighttime cough may be the only symptom. Symptoms of a severe asthma attack include extreme difficulty breathing, drowsiness, rapid pulse, blue lips and face, sweating and anxiety. Severe attacks can be life-threatening and require immediate emergency medical care.
Significance
Asthma is treated with medications that reduce inflammation and open the airways. While oral medications can be helpful, asthma inhalers are particularly effective in delivering medication directly to the lungs. In addition to providing a convenient means of delivering medication, inhalers are also useful in providing quick relief when breathing problems occur suddenly. Children who are too young to understand how to use an inhaler can still benefit from inhaled asthma medications by using a nebulizer. A nebulizer is a breathing machine that delivers asthma medication in mist form using a special mask.
Types
Inhaled corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and airway sensitivity and relieve swelling and tightening of the airways. When your doctor believes that your child may benefit from an inhaled corticosteroid, she may prescribe an inhaler containing one of several medications, including triamcinolone, ciclesonide, budesonide or beclomethasone. This type of inhalers provide long-term relief and are used every day, whether your child has symptoms or not. You child may also use a rescue inhaler to immediately relieve sudden symptoms. Rescue inhalers contain rapid-acting bronchodilators that relax the muscles that surround the airways, opening the airways. Depending on the type, your child's bronchodilator may include such medications as albuterol, terbutaline or levalbuterol.
Warning
It is important to rinse the mouth with water after using an inhaler containing corticosteroids. Failure to rinse can cause thrush to develop in the mouth, on the tongue or in the throat. Thrush is an oral yeast infection characterized by the appearance of white patches in the mouth or on the tongue. Your child will be treated with oral antifungal medication or lozenges if he develops thrush.
