Breathe Easier — Treating Asthma Today
What Happens During an Asthma Attack?
When a person with asthma inhales something that triggers his or her asthma:
- The lining in the airways becomes inflamed and narrowed
- The muscles around the airways twist and tighten
- The lining in the airways becomes clogged with mucus
- Air becomes trapped in the lungs
October 2004 — In the United States alone, more than 5 million children under the age of 18 have been diagnosed with asthma, a chronic lung condition. When these children reach adulthood, approximately one out of four will still have asthma, while the other three will find their asthma replaced by another respiratory condition, such as sinusitis or nasal allergies. Fortunately, tremendous strides have been made in the last 20 years in both understanding and treating asthma.
"There is new evidence that certain viral diseases in infancy and early childhood may predispose the lungs to developing asthma or asthma-like conditions, especially if the child has a family history of asthma or allergies, or has had neonatal respiratory problems," says Morton Schwartzman, MD, Medical Director of Cystic Fibrosis and Pulmonary Services at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.
"Physicians are aware," continues Dr. Schwartzman, "that if a child has recurrent wheezings with asthma or respiratory tract infections, such as a cough or bronchitis, or develops other allergic symptoms, preventive measures must be taken."
Avoiding Breathing Problems
Children — and adults — with asthma have asthma "attacks" because their airways are sensitive to:
- Perfume
- Mold and dust
- Pollen from grass, trees and flowers
- Smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipes
- Animal dander (little bits of fur, feather or skin)
Parents should work with their child's physician to determine exactly what triggers their child's asthma and do everything they can to help their child avoid the trigger. If a child's asthma is triggered by house dust, for example, it may help to vacuum often and use tile rather than carpeting in the home. If a child has trouble breathing whenever he is near a cat, then he is probably sensitive to cat dander and should avoid cats. Tobacco smoke frequently triggers asthma attacks and is harmful even to children who do not have asthma.
"Smoking or being in a smoking environment can change the lung structure and predispose the child to ear infections, sinusitis and asthma," says Dr. Schwartzman.
Treating Asthma with Medication
Asthma can be treated and managed with medication. Some medications help prevent asthma attacks, while others provide relief once an attack has occurred. Common asthma medications include:
- Anti-inflammatories
- Bronchodilators
- Antileukotrienes
- Corticosteroids
Flu and pneumonia can cause serious breathing problems for children with asthma, so children at risk should receive vaccinations against these illnesses, every year for the flu and as recommended by their pediatricians for pneumonia. For a referral to a physician, call Memorial Physician Referral Service at (800) 944-DOCS.