[Asthma] How to manage asthma in children? Learn about the causes and symptoms of asthma in one article.

What should you do if your child suffers from asthma? In fact, asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases among children, with an estimated 1 in 10 children affected¹. Mild asthma attacks may include symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing, but severe cases can be life-threatening, so parents must not take it lightly. Today, 10Life provides a detailed explanation for parents about the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods of asthma, helping you better assist your child in managing the condition and ensuring their healthy growth. 

Asthma is a chronic lung condition where the airways become inflamed when triggered, leading to narrowing of the airways, which causes coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. The severity of asthma varies from person to person; mild cases may present with wheezing or shortness of breath, while severe cases can lead to life-threatening respiratory distress. Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed through medication and lifestyle adjustments². 

As children or infants may not be able to clearly express their symptoms, parents need to pay extra attention to whether their little ones exhibit the following signs of asthma:

• Persistent coughing, especially at night, after exercise, or in cold air
• Wheezing or a whistling sound when exhaling
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Gasping for air
• Chest tightness or pain 

In addition to the obvious asthma symptoms mentioned above, parents can also watch out for the following issues in their children:

• Difficulty sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing
• Worsening cough or wheezing triggered by a cold or flu
• Slower recovery from respiratory infections or developing bronchitis
• Breathing difficulties that hinder play or exercise 
• Fatigue caused by poor sleep quality

When children have asthma, they may not exhibit all the symptoms listed above. They might only show persistent coughing, while other symptoms may not be apparent. Parents should always monitor their children’s health condition⁵. 

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

• Genetic factors: If family members (parents or siblings) have asthma, the risk of a child developing asthma is higher.
• Having eczema or allergic rhinitis (such as hay fever) increases the likelihood of developing asthma.
• Low birth weight, premature birth, or early exposure to tobacco smoke or air pollutants can increase the risk of asthma.
• Exposure to environmental allergens and irritants, such as air pollution, dust mites, mould, chemicals, and dust, also raises the risk of developing asthma.
• Overweight or obese children are more prone to asthma.
• Living in urban areas is also associated with a higher incidence of asthma.

Various factors can trigger asthma. Below are some common triggers:

• Household dust, dust mites, pet dander, and plant pollen are common allergens
• Air pollution such as vehicle exhaust, construction dust, and second-hand smoke
• Cold air can easily trigger asthma, especially during sudden weather changes or frequent entry and exit from air-conditioned rooms
• Certain foods or specific medications
• Contracting respiratory tract infections
• Overly intense exercise 

Clinical Examination

Since many diseases present symptoms similar to asthma, doctors will carefully inquire about the frequency and severity of the child’s symptoms, combined with their medical history. Further tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms and to confirm whether the child has asthma.

Spirometry

Lung function testing is one of the common methods used to diagnose asthma in children. It assesses lung function by measuring the speed and volume of air the child exhales. This test can be conducted 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. Additionally, a bronchial challenge test can help doctors evaluate the child’s lung response to irritants, further confirming the asthma diagnosis.

Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)

If lung function tests cannot conclusively diagnose asthma, doctors may recommend a fractional exhaled nitric oxide test. This test measures the concentration of nitric oxide in the child’s exhaled breath, helping doctors assess the level of inflammation in the lungs and determine whether steroid treatment is necessary.

Allergy Testing

If a doctor suspects that a child’s asthma is triggered by allergies, allergy testing may be conducted. Through skin tests, common allergens (such as animal dander, mould, or dust mites) are applied to the skin to observe any allergic reactions and identify potential asthma triggers.

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

We believe that parents are deeply concerned about how to help their children alleviate asthma symptoms. Asthma treatment is primarily divided into two types: quick-relief medications and long-term control medications:

Quick-Relief Medications

When a child experiences a sudden asthma attack, quick-relief medications can effectively relax the airways in a short time, easing breathing difficulties and helping the child return to normal breathing.

Long-Term Control Medications

Long-term control medications are mainly used to prevent asthma attacks and provide stable control of the condition. They can reduce chronic inflammation in the airways and lower the risk of recurrent asthma episodes.

However, it is important to note that asthma medications must be used strictly according to a doctor's instructions. Even if symptoms improve, medication should not be stopped abruptly, as this could lead to a recurrence of asthma or even a worsening of the condition.

Although "wheezing" is one of the common symptoms of asthma, not all wheezing sounds are caused by asthma. Other respiratory issues, such as infectious bronchitis or other respiratory diseases, may also lead to wheezing. Additionally, conditions like heart failure, congenital tracheal abnormalities, or acid reflux can also cause wheezing, which should not be taken lightly. Therefore, if a child experiences wheezing, parents should seek medical attention for their child, allowing a doctor to provide a professional diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause. 

Asthma cannot be completely "cured" at present, but through early diagnosis and treatment, the condition can be effectively managed, allowing children to lead a normal life. Moreover, approximately 60% of childhood asthma cases naturally resolve before adulthood, particularly in those with milder symptoms. However, about 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 shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, and even the use of quick-relief medications like bronchodilators does not help, they should seek medical attention immediately to avoid delaying treatment. 

If your child suffers from asthma, in addition to following the doctor’s instructions for medication to control the condition, parents can refer to the following suggestions to help keep your child away from allergens and reduce the chances of asthma attacks.

1. Maintain a Clean Home

Parents should regularly clean the home to prevent dust accumulation. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean carpets, sofas, and other areas prone to dust buildup, and wipe furniture surfaces with a damp cloth. Pay special attention to bedding, curtains, and stuffed toys, which are prone to dust mites. These items should be cleaned or replaced regularly to prevent the breeding of dust mites and mould growth.

2. Ensure Good Air Circulation

Parents should open windows regularly to maintain indoor air circulation. Avoid smoking indoors and try to minimise the use of air fresheners, perfumes, and other irritants. Additionally, avoid taking children to crowded places such as cinemas, restaurants, or construction sites.

3. Avoid Foods or Medications That May Cause Allergies

Do not let your child consume foods or medications that have previously caused allergic reactions, such as shrimp, crab, or certain medications, to reduce the risk of asthma attacks.

4. Be Mindful of Weather Changes

During sudden temperature drops, especially when moving from a warm indoor environment to a cold outdoor one or entering an air-conditioned room, help your child wear warm clothing to avoid triggering airway irritation due to significant temperature differences.

5. Treat Respiratory Infections Early

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

6. Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Regular routines, adequate sleep, and moderate exercise can help boost immunity and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.

• Avoid exposure to the asthma triggers mentioned above
• Take medication on time as advised by the doctor and attend regular check-ups
• Avoid smoking in front of children
• Teach children the correct way to use an inhaler
• Seek early treatment for respiratory infections
• Inform the school about the child’s medical condition
• Ensure children carry a medical card with them, recording their medical history, medication, and allergies
• Bring the medical card and sufficient medication when travelling
• Show care and provide appropriate encouragement to children 

Asthma requires regular check-ups, and in severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary, which can be quite costly. Additionally, children, regardless of gender, may fall ill or require inpatient medical care. Purchasing medical insurance early allows for more flexible treatment options. If parents are still unsure where to start, they can refer to Compare Voluntary Health Insurance Schemes, or contact 10Life’s professional insurance advisors. 

Further Reading:
【Children's Insurance】What Medical Insurance Should Parents Buy for Kindergarten Children?
【Children's Insurance】Back to School for Primary Students: Comparing Medical Insurance Premiums and Coverage
【Circumcision】Is It More Cost-Effective to Do It Earlier? A Comprehensive Guide to Reasons, Benefits, and Costs of Circumcision
【G6PD Deficiency】What Are the Restrictions? Will It Be Cured in Adulthood? (With a List of Restricted Foods)
【Children's Myopia】What to Do If Your Child Is Short-Sighted? Understanding Causes and 4 Key Control Methods
【Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease】Affects Both Adults and Children: A Complete Guide to Symptoms and Transmission Routes
【Autism】Three Key Characteristics to Identify If a Child Has Autism: Does Being Quiet or Unsocial Mean Autism?
【ADHD】How to Distinguish Between Naughty Behaviour and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? A Comprehensive Guide to ADHD Symptoms, Causes, Assessment, and Treatment

Data Sources:

1. Department of Health 《Asthma Overview》
   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.