Asthma is a respiratory problem that affects many children, both in the United States and throughout the world. Patients with asthma often have chronic respiratory problems that can flare-up into a severe asthmatic episode. Severe asthma can make breathing difficult and cause chest pain and may require immediate treatment.
Asthma and Chronic Cough
Merck notes that, for many children, the only symptom of mild asthma will be a chronic cough. Medline explains that this chronic cough is caused by the airways secreting large quantities of thick mucus, which then accumulate in the lungs. This mucus then stimulates the cough reflex, resulting in a persistent and chronic cough.
Asthma Mechanism
Asthma is a hypersensitivity condition, which means that it is caused by an abnormally strong immune reaction to normally harmless stimuli. When the immune system gets activated by these stimuli (also known as triggers) a massive inflammatory response is triggered, which narrows the airways and causes the secretion of mucus. This can lead to a cough and other asthmatic symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, some patients only have the chronic cough without any other asthmatic symptoms, which is known as cough-variant asthma.
Triggers
Childhood asthma has a number of different triggers. These include dust and smoke, as well as cold air and exercise. Animal hair, pollen and mold can also serve as triggers. Triggers can exacerbate an asthmatic child's chronic cough and can also lead to wheezing and breathing problems.
Treatment
The chronic cough that causes asthma can be treated using a variety of compounds. Some patients take inhaled corticosteroids, which help reduce the inflammation in the airways. Patients can also use inhalable medications that relax the airway. These medications are usually taken daily, with faster-acting treatments used in the event of an acute asthma attack.
Progression to Adulthood
According to Merck, one half of all children who have asthma "outgrow" it as they mature into adulthood. This may be because the immune system gradually becomes desensitized to stimuli over time. Children with severe asthma symptoms are more likely to have asthma when they are adults, though their symptoms may become less severe.
