Treatment of asthma and shortness of breath in children by Dr. Mehdi Afshari

Treatment of asthma and shortness of breath in children Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases in children, which can show itself chronically and with repeated attacks of shortness of breath.. This disease can affect the quality of life of the child and in some cases, especially if there is no proper treatment, it can lead to more serious problems in respiratory health... We have covered.... What is asthma?. Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the child's airways become inflamed and narrow due to various reasons such as allergies, infections, smoke and other stimuli. This causes breathing problems, the symptoms of which include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. - Frequent coughing, especially at night or during physical activity. Shortness of breath that may occur during the day or night - Wheezing that occurs especially during deep breathing and when trying to breathe - Sensitive to pressure in the chest - Fast or hard breathing during physical activities Causes and risk factors of asthma in children Asthma may appear in children for various reasons. Some of these factors are: ### Heredity If one of the parents or family members is suffering from asthma or allergies, the possibility of the child getting this disease increases... ### Allergies Children who are allergic to allergens such as plant pollen, mites or animal feathers are more prone to asthma. ### Respiratory infections Viral infections such as colds or flu can contribute to asthma.. ### Air pollution Exposure to environmental pollution, cigarette smoke or polluted air can aggravate asthma symptoms. ### Stress and anxiety Psychological factors and environmental stress can play a role in the occurrence or exacerbation of asthma attacks... Asthma treatment in children ### Controlling and effective drugs in asthma Asthma medications fall into two main categories: controller medications and reliever medications #### Drug control These drugs are taken daily to control inflammation of the airways and prevent asthma attacks.... Control drugs usually include inhaled corticosteroids.. ** inhaled corticosteroids ** These drugs are used to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks.. Medicines such as fluticasone, beclomethasone and budronide belong to this category... **anti-leukotrienes** Medicines such as Montelukast that reduce inflammation of the airways... Long-acting bronchodilators such as salmeterol, which are used in some long-term asthma treatments... These medicines are used in emergencies and during an asthma attack to quickly open the airways and relieve symptoms. allergy One of the most important ways to prevent asthma attacks in children is to reduce contact with allergenic substances... For this purpose, parents should avoid dust, animal dander, cigarette smoke and other allergenic substances.... ### Preventing air pollution Parents should avoid exposing the child to severe pollution such as cigarette smoke or urban pollution.... ### Exercise and physical activity Regular physical activity under the supervision of a doctor can help improve lung capacity and reduce asthma symptoms. Of course, heavy activities should not be done in polluted conditions... ### Education for parents and children It is very important to teach parents and children how to use medicines and identify the symptoms and triggers of the disease.... Parents should get enough information on how to use inhalation sprays and other medicines with medical advice and proper training.... ### periodic tests Some periodic tests are necessary for the management and treatment of asthma in children: Spirometry, a test that measures lung function...Peak flow meter, a device that measures exhaled air flow, which can help parents assess the extent of a child's breathlessness...Allergy tests to identify specific allergens that may exacerbate asthma symptoms... ### Asthma can affect a child's mental health... Frequent asthma attacks or feeling unable to perform daily activities can lead to anxiety or depression... #### Summary Asthma is one of the common diseases in children which can cause more serious problems if not properly treated and managed. With timely diagnosis, use of appropriate medications, changes in lifestyle and special care, parents can prevent asthma attacks and help the child lead a healthy and active life... Regular cooperation with a pediatrician can help improve the quality of life and manage this disease.