Make no mistake about it, asthma is a nasty illness that can affect not only the life of the child who has it, but everyone who lives with the child as well. And it’s a growing epidemic, too! According to the Centers for Disease Control nearly 7 million children in the US have it and it has jumped to the third leading cause for hospitalization of children in the US.
Asthma is an inflammation of tube like structures in the lungs called bronchial airways that supply oxygen to the lungs. When the inflammation occurs it can be so severe that it constricts the bronchial tubes tightly, preventing any air from reaching the lungs. In a severe asthma attack, suffocation can occur, followed by death. It’s like being choked to death from the inside.
Asthma is a chronic condition, which means once you develop it you will have it for life, but its intensity and frequency can be managed.
There are multiple theories on how a child develops asthma ranging from early childhood bronchial infections, to viruses, to allergies to pollutants like smog or cigarette smoke. All of them, in fact, may be contributing factors. Some research also suggests that premature babies born early with immature lung capacity may also be at risk for developing chronic forms of asthma.
So what can be done?
Fortunately, there’s a lot that can be done to manage asthma and even prevent attacks from occurring over long periods of time.
A Pediatrician is Essential
There’s more to asthma than just buying an inhaler at the drug store. They are overused and parents tend to think of them as magic wands—this is a mistake. Treat asthma like you would if your child has diabetes. You need a pediatrician to be your partner; all it takes is one bad asthma attack to put your child in the hospital.
Know what triggers Asthma
Allergies and exercise are the most common reasons a child has an asthma attack. Specifically, knowing what can trigger your child’s asthma can help you prevent it. Getting tested by a pediatrician is essential to helping you figure out this process and also knowing how to use an inhaler/medication to treat an attack when it occurs.
If you smoke, now more than even may be the perfect time to quit. Second hand smoke or even the mere hint of tobacco (like in a smoker’s car) can trigger a nasty attack. As a medical matter, begin to eliminate your child’s exposure to it. Communicate to any smokers that your child cannot be exposed to it under any circumstances.
Time To Go Green
Did you know that the hundreds of household chemicals in our cleaning products and cosmetics are capable of triggering an asthma attack? This also includes perfume and cologne, which can be especially lethal. Going green is a great way to protect your child. Start cleaning with natural citrus and vinegar based products, and using unscented, hypoallergenic, dye and perfume free detergents, and natural-based ingredients for toiletries & make-up.
Asthma Loves Sickness
If your child is prone to colds, the flu, sore throats, the sniffles or other lung related maladies like pneumonia or bronchitis this can be a fertile ground for your child to develop chronic asthma. The coughing and straining can irritate and inflame the lungs and airways, causing an attack. Be vigilant about these particular illnesses and work with your pediatrician to have a plan that addresses the risk factor to developing chronic asthma.
Think Yoga not Cardio
Exercise is vital for the well being of a child, but exercise can also trigger a violent attack. Yoga can be an excellent alternative as it’s a powerful method for training the body to use breathing as a way to calm the body down and in addition it strengthens and tones the muscles and bones. Many people with asthma have attributed their yoga practice to increasing the time and intensity of attacks.
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