Toddlers with asthma have an inflammation in the airways and produce large amounts of thick mucus. They also tend to be hypersensitive to things such as dust, exercise, smoke or pollen, and may have food allergies as well. The hypersensitivity can cause the smooth muscles that surround the airways to tighten; the combination of inflammation and tight airways makes it difficult for the child to breathe. Some drinks can make asthma symptoms worse.
Asthma in Children
Asthma is quite common in the United States, according to KidsHealth.org. More than 23 million people have this condition; it’s the primary reason children miss school. Asthma flare-ups are the most common reason for a pediatric emergency room visit. Allergies often play a role in asthma and as many as 85 percent of people with asthma also have some type of allergy.
Asthma and Cow's Milk
Cow’s milk causes allergic reactions in some infants and children. Two to 8 percent of children in North America are allergic to cow’s milk, although 85 percent will outgrow the allergy by age 4, according to the Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation. Milk provides calcium, a mineral children need for healthy bones and teeth, as well as other nutrients, and is a good choice if your child is not allergic to it.
Water, Juice and Caffeine
It’s important to ensure that your child receives adequate fluid to prevent problems such as constipation and dehydration. Plain water is always acceptable for toddlers. Fruit juice is another nutritious choice, although it can promote tooth decay when the teeth are bathed in juice for an extended period, such as when sucking on a bottle during nap time. Coffee and tea are not advisable for any toddlers because of the caffeine content. The stimulant effect of caffeine may cause sleep problems in children just as it does in adults.
Skip the Soft Drinks
Soft drinks in general increase the risk of chronic cough in asthmatic children, according to an article in the March-April 2005 “Epidemiologia e Prevenzione.” Caffeinated cola drinks have been found to increase asthma-related symptoms, according to research published in the December 2010 issue of “Pediatric Pulmonology.” Because soft drinks may also be high in calories and have few nutritional benefits, they are not a good choice for toddlers or children.
Considerations
If your asthmatic toddler does not have any known allergies, milk, fruit juice and water are the best drink choices. Serve fruit juice and milk in a sippy cup rather than a bottle, and don’t let your child go to sleep with either a sippy cup or a bottle to decrease the risk of tooth decay. Water can be used in a bottle at naptime.
References
- KidsHealth.org: Asthma Basics
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Food Allergy
- Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation: What to Do When Baby Can’t Drink Milk
- The Baby Centre: How to Feed Your Toddler
- Medline Plus: Caffeine in the Diet
- Epidemiologia e Prevenzione: Dietary Habits, Life Styles and Respiratory Symptoms in Childhood
- Pediatric Pulmonology: Changes to Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Asthmatic Children after Drinking a Caffeine-Containing Cola Drink
