Childhood Asthma: Underdiagnosed entity

Childhood Asthma: Underdiagnosed entity

Childhood asthma is a lung problem where a child's airways (breathing tubes) become easily swollen and narrowed when they meet certain triggers or exposures . This makes it hard for air to move in and out, causing symptoms like wheezing (a whistling sound), coughing (especially at night or with exercise), and shortness of breath, chest pain.

🩺 How can we detect early ? Early detection is key. Watch for a cough that won't go away, wheezing that happens more than once (even without a cold), or your child often getting tired or having trouble keeping up during play. If you see these signs, see a doctor right away. 
🛡️ Prevention and Management While we can't completely prevent asthma, we can reduce attacks by avoiding triggers. These often include: 
* Smoke (especially cigarette smoke). 
* Allergens like dust mites (clean bedding often with hot water), pet dander, or mold (reduce humidity). 
* Cold air or colds/flu (staying up-to-date on vaccines helps). 
* Vigorous exercise (though moderate activity is encouraged).
* ⁠Avoid smoking by parents
💊 Treatment Treatment usually involves two types of medicine, often given through an inhaler: 
1. Controller medicines : (often an inhaled steroid or oral mild steroid) taken daily for short duration to reduce swelling in the airways. 
2. Reliever (or rescue) medicines (like Albuterol/Ventolin) taken as needed to quickly open the airways during symptoms or an attack. 
Tips:
1.Keep Asthma Action Plan is ready if your child develops increased symptoms or asthma attacks .
Read
2.Do thorough investigations to identify the reason
3.Start treatment as soon as possible
4. ⁠Vaccination
5. ⁠Adequate hydration
Let’s fight against childhood asthma!

Dr. Pravin Taware
Dr. Aditi Shah
Aeris clinic of allergy Chest and Sleep Care , Matunga East