Patients with asthma are often predisposed to having breathing problems when exposed to foreign substances. This often sets of an asthma attack. The most common symptom in children is wheezing. The wheezing is a high pitched, whistling sound of breathing, though wheezing is not always present. It tends to be more pronounced when exhaling rather than inhaling. Chest tightness, shortness of breath and persistent cough accompany the wheezing.
Symptoms of Asthma
The cough often worsens at night and may produce a thick yellow discharge. All of these symptoms may be set off by physical activity, extreme weather including hot, humid, cold or dry. Smog, allergens, fumes, tobacco smoke, strong doors and even laughing can trigger a reaction. Chemicals in scented candles and scents in cleaning products can often play a role. Episodes with wheezing may be more frequent during the winter months, when your child spends more time indoors.
Taking your child for asthma diagnosis
When making a diagnosis your physician will look for deformity of the chest and severe wheezing when examining your child. A deformed chest was once common among asthmatics during the sixties and seventies, the introduction of inhaled corticosteroids makes it uncommon now to find. During a symptom free period your doctor may ask your child to breathe out forcefully in order to bring out any wheezing. Pulmonary function tests, which are breathing tests used to determine the degree of asthma will be performed on your child. A chest x-ray will also be performed to rule out other diseases that mimic asthma. Your doctor may also perform a Sweat test to rule out cystic fibrosis. The test measures salts in your child’s sweat.
Keep an eye on your child and what may be triggering attacks
The best way to determine your child’s allergic reaction is to keep a sharp eye out for allergens. So, if your child is exposed to an allergen such as a cat, dog, dust amongst other things, there might be an allergic component to the asthma. This information should be shared with your doctor. If the wheezing tends to be seasonal, through early spring to fall, the asthma may be related to pollen exposure. During the winter the asthma may be associated with indoor allergens, such as house or dust mites, moulds or animal dander. Allergy skin tests may help confirm any offending allergens.
Share with your doctor what you have found regarding your child’s symptoms. Combined with a examination and tests performed by your doctor you are well on your way to getting a treatment that works for your child.
Source: The Kid's Complete Allergy and Asthma Guide, Dr. Milton Gold, Robert Rose Inc. Toronto, Canada
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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