【Asthma】What should you do if your child has asthma? Learn about the causes and symptoms of asthma in this article.

What should you do if your child has asthma? Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. It is estimated that one in every 10 children has asthma¹. Mild asthma attacks may involve coughing, chest tightness and wheezing, but severe attacks can even be life-threatening, so parents must never take the condition lightly. Today, 10Life will explain the causes, symptoms and treatment of asthma in detail, helping parents better support their children in managing the condition and safeguarding their healthy development. 

Asthma is a chronic lung disease. When the airways are irritated, an inflammatory response occurs, causing them to narrow and resulting in coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. The severity of asthma varies from person to person. In mild cases, symptoms may include wheezing or breathlessness, while severe cases may lead to difficulty breathing and pose a life-threatening risk. Although asthma cannot be cured, its symptoms can be effectively controlled through medication and lifestyle management². 

As children or infants are unable to clearly express their symptoms, parents need to pay closer attention to whether their child is experiencing any of the following symptoms of asthma:

• Persistent coughing, particularly at night, after exercise or in cold air
• A wheezing or whistling sound when exhaling
• Rapid or difficult breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or chest pain 

In addition to the obvious symptoms of asthma mentioned above, parents can also look out for whether their child is experiencing the following problems:

• Difficulty falling asleep due to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• Worsening coughing or wheezing due to a cold or flu
• Slower recovery after a respiratory tract infection or the development of bronchitis
• Difficulty breathing to the extent that it interferes with play or exercise  
• Fatigue caused by poor sleep quality

Children with asthma may not experience all of the symptoms listed above. They may only have a persistent cough, while other symptoms may not be obvious. Parents should always pay attention to their child’s health⁵. 

The causes of asthma are not yet fully understood and are influenced by multiple factors, making it difficult to attribute them to a single cause. Common causes include:

• Genetic factors: if a family member (parent or sibling) has asthma, children are at a higher risk of developing asthma
• Having eczema or allergic rhinitis (such as hay fever) increases the likelihood of developing asthma
• Low birth weight, premature birth, and early exposure to tobacco smoke or air pollutants can increase the risk of asthma
• Exposure to allergens and irritants in the environment, such as air pollution, dust mites, mould, chemicals and dust, can also increase the risk of developing asthma
• Children who are overweight or obese are more likely to have asthma
• Living in urban areas is also associated with a higher incidence of asthma 

Various factors can trigger asthma. The following are some common triggers:

• Common allergens include household dust, dust mites, pet hair and plant pollen
• Air pollution, such as vehicle exhaust fumes, dust from construction sites and second-hand smoke
• Cold air can easily trigger asthma, particularly when the weather changes suddenly or when frequently moving in and out of air-conditioned rooms
• Certain foods or specific medications
• Respiratory tract infections
• Overly strenuous exercise 

Clinical examination

As the symptoms of many conditions are similar to those of asthma, the doctor will carefully ask about the frequency and severity of the child's symptoms, as well as their medical history. Further tests may also be required to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms and confirm whether the child has asthma.

Spirometry

Lung function testing is one of the commonly used methods for diagnosing asthma in children. It assesses lung function by measuring the speed and volume of air exhaled by the child. This test can be performed under different conditions, such as at rest, after exercise, or before and after using asthma medication, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the child's lung condition. In addition, a bronchial provocation test can help the doctor assess how the child's lungs respond to irritants and further confirm the diagnosis of asthma.

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide

If lung function tests cannot clearly diagnose asthma, the doctor may recommend an exhaled nitric oxide test. This test measures the concentration of nitric oxide in the air exhaled by the child, helping the doctor understand the degree of inflammation in the lungs and assess whether steroid medication is required.

Allergy testing

If the doctor suspects that the child's asthma is caused by an allergy, allergy testing may be performed. During a skin test, common allergens, such as animal dander, mould and dust mites, are placed in contact with the skin to observe whether an allergic reaction occurs and identify the triggers of asthma.

The above information is for reference only and cannot replace professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about your child's health, please consult a professional doctor. 

We are sure that parents are very concerned about how to help alleviate their children’s asthma symptoms, and asthma treatment is mainly divided into two types: fast-acting medication and long-acting medication:

Fast-acting medication

When a child experiences a sudden asthma attack, fast-acting medication can effectively relieve airway constriction within a short period, ease breathing difficulties and help the child resume normal breathing.

Long-acting medication

Long-acting medication is primarily used to prevent asthma attacks and control the condition steadily. It can reduce chronic inflammation of the airways and lower the risk of recurrent asthma attacks.

However, it is important to note that asthma medication must be used strictly in accordance with the doctor’s instructions. Even if symptoms improve, do not stop taking the medication without consulting a doctor, as this may cause asthma to recur or even worsen the condition.

Although “wheezing” is one of the common symptoms of asthma, not all wheezing is caused by asthma. Other respiratory problems, such as infective bronchitis or other respiratory diseases, may also cause wheezing. In addition, heart failure, congenital tracheal abnormalities and acid reflux may also lead to wheezing and should not be taken lightly. Therefore, if your child develops wheezing, parents should take them to see a doctor for a professional diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause. 

Asthma cannot currently be completely cured, but with early diagnosis and treatment, it can be effectively controlled, allowing children to lead normal lives. Moreover, approximately 60% of childhood asthma cases naturally disappear before adulthood, particularly in patients with milder symptoms. However, around 20% or more of patients may experience a recurrence in adulthood.

If parents notice that their child’s asthma symptoms are worsening, such as persistent rapid breathing or breathlessness, difficulty breathing or wheezing, and the symptoms do not improve even after using fast-acting medication such as bronchodilators, they should seek medical attention immediately to avoid delaying treatment. 

If your child has asthma, in addition to using medication as directed by the doctor to control the condition, parents can refer to the following advice to help keep their child away from allergens and reduce the chance of asthma attacks.

1. Keep the home clean

Parents should clean the home regularly to prevent dust from accumulating. A vacuum cleaner can be used to clean areas where dust is likely to collect, such as carpets and sofas, while furniture surfaces should be wiped with a damp cloth. Particular attention should be paid to items where dust mites can easily thrive, such as bedding, curtains and soft toys. These should be washed or replaced regularly to prevent dust mites from multiplying and mould from growing.

2. Ensure good ventilation

Parents should open the windows regularly to ensure good indoor air circulation at all times. Parents should avoid smoking indoors and minimise the use of irritants such as air fresheners and perfumes. In addition, they should avoid taking their children to crowded places, such as cinemas, restaurants and construction sites.

3. Avoid foods or medicines that may cause allergic reactions

Do not allow your child to consume foods or medicines that have previously caused an allergic reaction, such as seafood including prawns and crabs, or certain medicines, in order to reduce the risk of an asthma attack.

4. Pay attention to changes in the weather

When the temperature drops suddenly, particularly when moving from a warm indoor environment to the cold outdoors or entering an air-conditioned room, help your child put on extra warm clothing to prevent excessive temperature differences from irritating the airways.

5. Treat respiratory infections promptly

If your child unfortunately develops a respiratory infection, such as a cold, seek treatment promptly to reduce the risk of the condition worsening.

6. Develop healthy lifestyle habits

Regular routines, sufficient sleep and an appropriate amount of exercise can help strengthen the immune system and reduce asthma attacks.

• Avoid exposure to the asthma triggers mentioned above
• Take medication on time as advised by the doctor and attend regular follow-up appointments
• Avoid smoking in front of your child
• Teach your child how to use the inhaler correctly
• Treat respiratory infections promptly
• Inform the school about your child’s condition
• Ensure your child carries a medical record card with details of their medical history, medication and allergies
• Bring the medical record card and sufficient medication when travelling
• Show your child plenty of care and provide appropriate encouragement 

Asthma requires regular follow-up appointments, and if the condition is severe, hospitalisation may be necessary, which can be costly. In addition, all children, regardless of gender, may fall ill or require inpatient medical treatment. Purchasing medical insurance as early as possible can provide greater flexibility when choosing treatment options. If parents are not yet familiar with the options, they can view Compare Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme Plans, or contact 10Life's professional insurance advisers. 

Further reading: 
【Insurance for Young Children】What medical insurance should parents buy for children in kindergarten? 
【Children’s Insurance】Starting primary school: compare medical insurance premiums and coverage 
【Circumcision】Is it more cost-effective to have it done earlier? A complete guide to the reasons, benefits and costs of circumcision 
【G6PD Deficiency】What should be avoided? Will it be outgrown? (With a list of foods to avoid) 
【Short-sightedness in Children】What should you do if your child is short-sighted? Learn about the causes and 4 major control methods 
【Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease】Both adults and children can contract it: a complete guide to its symptoms and routes of transmission
【Autism】Three key characteristics for identifying whether a child has autism? Does speaking little and disliking social interaction mean autism?
【ADHD】How can you tell whether a child is being naughty or has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? A complete guide to the characteristics, causes, assessment and treatment of ADHD

Sources:

1. Department of Health, 《Understanding Asthma》
   https://www.studenthealth.gov.hk/tc_chi/health/health_ophp/health_ophp_ast.html 
2. Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, 《Asthma》
   https://www.hkah.org.hk/tc/conditions-and-treatments/asthma
3. Mayo Clinic 《Childhood Asthma》 
   https://www.mayoclinic.org/zh-hans/diseases-conditions/childhood-asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351507
4. World Health Organization, 《Asthma》
   https://www.who.int/zh/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
5. Hong Kong Asthma Society, 《Asthma and Children》
   http://www.hkasthma.org.hk/hk/about-asthma/%E5%93%AE%E5%96%98%E8%88%87%E5%85%92%E7%AB%A5#:~:text=%E5%85%92%E7%AB%A5%E5%A6%82%E5%87%BA%E7%8F%BE%E5%93%AE%E5%96%98%E7%97%87%E7%8B%80,%E6%99%82%E5%80%99%E9%9C%80%E8%A6%81%E4%BD%BF%E7%94%A8%E5%90%B8%E5%85%A5%E5%99%A8%E3%80%82
6. Mayo Clinic 《Childhood Asthma》
   https://www.mayoclinic.org/zh-hans/diseases-conditions/childhood-asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351513

Last updated: 8 October 2024

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.