Seeing your child suffer from any illness can be distressing. This is especially true for chronic conditions such as asthma, which affects over 6 million children in the U.S. alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood illnesses and a leading cause of missed school days. If left untreated, asthma can result in severe respiratory distress and even death.
As a mother, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage a child’s asthma. My mini-me is one of the over 6 million children under the age of 18 in the U.S. who struggle with this chronic illness. Though she was diagnosed early, it took us a while to identify a key symptom: frequent coughing, which wasn’t always accompanied by the classic symptoms.
It was during a conversation with her pediatrician that we realized my baby girl’s coughing was indeed a sign of upper respiratory distress. By the time she was six, she was making frequent trips to the emergency room at least four to five times per month and had been hospitalized multiple times.
Your Child’s Chronic Cough May Be A Symptom of Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. The symptoms of asthma can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms in children include wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Of these symptoms, asthmatic coughing can be the most challenging to identify, as it may not always be accompanied by the classic symptoms.
If you suspect that your child may be experiencing asthma-related symptoms, do not hesitate to seek out medical treatment. With that said, here are a few signs to look out for when it comes to an asthmatic cough.
- Does your child have a dry cough that gets worse at night?
- Does their cough get worse during active play or in cold air?
- Does your child’s cough start with rapidly changing weather patterns, such as sudden drops in temperature or humidity?
- Does it make them fatigued and frequently awaken them from their sleep?
- Is their cough lingering for more than two weeks, accompanied by chest pain?
Managing Asthma in Children
Together with my daughter’s primary care doctor, we developed an “asthma action plan” to help manage her symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks. This plan included preventative and rescue medications to manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Preventative medications such as inhaled corticosteroids (Flovent) help reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks from occurring. Rescue medications such as albuterol inhalers or solutions helped to quickly open up airways during an asthma attack.
Learning and understanding her triggers was also key. We discovered that cold weather and pollutants in the air were her primary triggers, which is why we eventually relocated from NYC to the Atlanta area. Within less than a year, we were able to wean her off all medication.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is crucial in managing asthma in children. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to more severe respiratory distress and hospitalization. If your child is experiencing any asthma-related symptoms, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Asthma is a challenging illness, and it can be tough on both parents and children. But by working together with your child’s healthcare provider, you can develop a comprehensive asthma action plan that will help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Remember, asthma is a treatable condition, and with proper management, your child can lead a healthy, active, and happier life.
