Asthma is an illness that creates coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. This serious problem can be pretty scary when it affects children, because it can be more pronounced in them. What happens with this illness is that the breathing tracts swell and constrict, making it harder for air to pass through and deliver oxygen. Mucus then builds up and thickens, which further clogs the breathing tract. The muscles around the breathing tract tighten, further reducing the opening.
It’s important to watch for the warning signs and symptoms in your children. The key to treating this disease is identifying it early, but that can be hard to do with kids. Here are some of the things you can be on the lookout for. If you spot any of these symptoms, bring your child to the doctor for an evaluation.
Wheezing While Breathing
One of the most evident signs of asthma in children is wheezing and difficulty breathing. Wheezing can occur at any time, day or night, and may be frightening to a child. The wheeze may be evident, sounding like a whistle when your child is breathing. To check for a less pronounced sound, you can have your little one breathe in a normal fashion and put your ear on his or her chest. Listen carefully for any sounds that are abnormal or cause you concern.
Coughing
Coughing is another early warning sign. However, it’s also fairly normal for children to have a cough, so don’t be concerned over a temporary cough that’s brought on by the common cold. Other causes are bronchitis and allergies. If the cough persists and is dry and hacking, it’s wise to check it out and rule out asthma by taking him to the doctor. Also, if your child tends to cough after physical activities, that may be an early sign of asthma.
Chest Problems
Always listen closely if your child complains of pain, tightness or a “funny feeling” in their chest, because this may be an indicator that your child has asthma. The tightness may be accompanied by flaring nostrils or heavy breathing as they try to catch their breath.
Remediating the Effects
Even if your child doesn’t have asthma, it’s important to keep the air in your home clean and healthy so your whole family can breathe easily. According to Just In Time Furnace Inc, one of the causes of poor quality air is a furnace in need of repair, or an air filter that is dirty. Make sure you have yours checked regularly, or have a furnace repair in Calgary come check it every year.
Dust the furniture, blinds, and fan around the house to make sure their symptoms aren’t being aggravated. The medicine the doctor prescribes should be a help, but remember to be vigilant about the type of air your kids breathe indoors.
Asthma can be a problem many parents dread, especially when these conditions are passed on genetically. Be constantly aware of your children’s breathing and make sure they don’t have these asthma warning signs.
