Asthma affects some 235 million people in the world according to WHO data. Controlling the symptoms of this chronic pathology allows those who suffer from it to lead a normal life. Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children, although most improve spontaneously with age. If you encounter a case of asthma attack, we recommend that you immediately visit a doctor and order a prescription from the best online medical store in Karachi. Let’s explore everything you need to know about asthma attacks and controlling it.
What is asthma in a child?
Asthma is a disease involving difficulty in breathing. It occurs when the bronchi, which are the tubes through which air enters and leaves the lungs, narrow. Children with asthma often have episodes of coughing and shortness of breath, among other periods when they do not have discomfort.
Approximately 8-10% of children suffer from the disease. It usually appears at an early age. More than half of the cases start before the age of 10.
Why is it caused?
Children can have asthma from several causes. The most common is usually a common cold or catarrh. Other irritants, such as tobacco smoke or environmental pollution, can precipitate it. In children with allergies, exposure to substances to which they are sensitive, such as house dust mites, pollen or animals, can cause bronchial inflammation
What are the symptoms of an asthma attack?
An asthma attack is an acute episode of coughing, choking, tightness, and noises in the chest (“whistling”). Sometimes the crisis can be the first manifestation of the disease, although this is not usual.
Symptoms are often worse at night and with exercise.
What can I do?
- Keep the child at rest, in a quiet and smoke-free environment.
- The best position for breathing is sitting
Treatment should be started at home, with medications that open the bronchi (bronchodilators). It is important to treat symptoms once detected, without waiting to see how they evolve.
When should I consult an emergency service?
- ·When the child has significant difficulty breathing, that is, he breathes very quickly, his ribs are marked, he breathes with his abdomen or “whistles” are heard clearly.
- If the child is sleepy, very irritable, or can barely talk or walk.
- If the child turns pale or purple.
- If it does not seem to respond to treatment and it is necessary to use bronchodilators very frequently, every less than two hours.
How is it treated?
Medications that open the bronchi are salbutamol and terbutaline. They are taken by inhalation, that is, you have to breathe them for them to take effect. They have a very fast action and relieve symptoms, allowing the entry and exit of air. Depending on the age of the child, the use of cameras may be necessary for the medicine to take effect.
The usually recommended doses are:
- Salbutamol with chamber: 4 inhalations every 20 minutes, up to 3 batches (60 minutes).
- Terbutaline: 2 inhalations every 20 minutes, up to 3 batches (60 minutes).
Once this treatment is applied, the child must be observed. If there is a clear improvement and it is maintained for about 4 hours, between 2 and 4 inhalations will be administered every 4 hours.
However, if it does not improve with treatment or the improvement is temporary, it is advisable to consult an emergency service.
When the crisis is more intense, the doctor may advise treatment with medications that decrease the inflammation of the bronchial tubes (corticosteroids) in the form of pills or drops.
How can it be prevented?
- If your doctor has recommended you use a daily medication to prevent asthma, it is convenient to administer it to avoid relapses.
- Since colds are the most frequent triggers, it is appropriate to instruct children in hand washing to avoid contagion.
- Avoid inhaling tobacco smoke.
- If the child is allergic, it is advisable to follow the avoidance recommendations established by the doctor.
- When the child is overweight or obese, encourage him to lose weight.
