People of all ages experience asthma, but children with this condition will face a specific set of challenges. If your child suffers from asthma, it’s important to understand the symptoms of an asthma attack and to have a plan in place for these times. Keep reading to learn more about this condition so you can be prepared for your child.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects a person’s airways. In an asthma patient, airways can often become inflamed or swollen, resulting in breathing difficulties. It’s estimated that more than 3 million Americans deal with asthma.
Asthma Symptoms
Asthma symptoms vary from patient to patient and can also range in severity. The most common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, breathing difficulties, and chest pressure. Asthma patients might also have delayed recovery times when they have a cold or other respiratory infection. Asthma can also have environmental and/or lifestyle triggers, so it is important to monitor the timing of asthma attacks to determine your child’s triggers.
How Asthma is Different in Childhood
Both adults and children can have asthma, but symptoms will vary depending on a person’s age. While adults tend to have mild, persistent symptoms, children often have acute asthma attacks that can be very severe. Children with asthma are more likely to have asthma-related emergencies than adult sufferers. A range of treatment options is available for both children and adults, with new clinical trials frequently testing the effectiveness of groundbreaking treatments.