More than 4.1 million children in this country suffer from
asthma, and studies show that the number is on the rise. Asthma is, in fact,
one of the most common childhood diseases. It also is a leading cause of school
absence, accounting for more than 10 million lost days each year.More and more youngsters with asthma are needing intensified treatments and/or hospitalization.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that obstructs airways and makes them overly sensitive to irritants. During an attack, the smooth muscles around the airways (bronchial tubes) tighten, causing them to narrow inside, and they become inflamed and produce excess mucus. The clogged passages make it difficult to get air in and out. In mild cases, asthma is uncomfortable. In severe forms, it leaves children gasping for each breath and can cause respiratory collapse and death.
For 90 percent of children, the disease is allergic in nature. Attacks may occur after exposure to irritants (cigarette smoke, strong odors, household cleaning products, workplace chemicals), viral respiratory infections (colds, flu), sudden changes in weather or emotional stress.
Asthma attacks vary widely in intensity and duration. Symptoms often erupt within 10 to 15 minutes after exposure to a trigger and can last for hours. More than half of the children who have short-duration attacks also suffer delayed reactions chest tightness, wheezing and other symptoms four to eight hours later that can last for days.
If your youngster experiences some or all of these symptoms on a regular basis, consult his or her doctor or an asthma specialist as soon as possible.
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