The pollution that is increasing at an alarming rate has led to an increase in the cases of asthma in children. Take a quick look at the causes and symptoms of asthma in children and some tips for helping children deal with it.The air that children are breathing these days is filled with lot of impurities. Breathing impure air causes children to inhale harmful contaminants which are responsible for asthma and other respiratory disorders in them.
What is the cause of asthma?
Asthma is an allergic reaction that occurs when your child inhales allergens like pollen, dust, feathers or fungal spores. The allergy affects the lining of the air passage. The
child begins to wheeze and her immunity to
infection is reduced. When she has an asthma attack, the lining of the air passages goes into spasm and large amounts of mucus are secreted. Your child will find it difficult to breathe. She may become pale and her lips might turn blue.
What do I do if my child has asthma?
You should consult a doctor or a specialist. The first thing the doctor will attempt to do is to isolate the cause of the attacks. He will probably do this by exposing your child to a range of possible allergens. Once you have identified the particular allergen responsible for your child's attacks, your task becomes much simpler. You merely have to take all possible steps to avoid your child's exposure to the allergen. For instance, if your child is
allergic to dust, keep furnishings, carpeting and curtains free from dust. In addition, keep your house dry as dust mites flourish in damp houses.
Can asthma be linked to emotional factors?
Yes. Some asthmatic children are extremely sensitive. Conflict or stress in their lives can trigger off asthma attacks. If there are indications that emotional factors may have an influence on your child's asthma, try to keep the home environment stable and conflict-free. Do all you can to minimize stress in your child's life. Such children need a lot of love and attention.
However, there is no need to go overboard. Do not treat your child like an invalid. Do not be too over-protective. If you give your child the impression that everything must come to a standstill every time she has an attack, she will learn to use the attacks to manipulate you and get her own way.
How to prevent asthma in children?
Although, there are no specific ways in which asthma can be prevented in children, there are some remedies which can be followed to reduce the chances of acquiring it. Let us take a look at the preventive measures that can be taken.
- Avoid smoking in front of children. Second hand smoke can also increase the chances of asthma in children.
- Avoid taking children to areas where there is a lot of industrial or other smoke.
- Avoid burning loban or essence sticks in your child’s room
- Repair the leakages immediately.
- Get the servicing of your air-conditioners and humidifiers at right time.
- Ask your child to stay away from the smoky areas.
- Use air-purifier at home
Precautions can be taken by pregnant women as well for reducing the risk of asthma in unborn children. The risk of asthma is higher in children whose mothers smoked while they were pregnant. Therefore, women must avoid smoking during pregnancy in order to protect children from the risks like asthma and other health disorders. It is also very important for pregnant women to be away from pollution. Breathing polluted air containing harmful contaminants during pregnancy can increase the risk of asthma and other health disorders in the unborn child.