Pediatrics Can Help Children with Their Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, and while not as debilitating as other illnesses, it can still be fatal if left untreated. The worst part about asthma is that even young children can start showing symptoms of the respiratory ailment. Asthma attacks in children can be so bad and sporadic that it can severely affect their school, play time, and inevitably, their over-all growth and development.

Parents need to address their child’s asthma attacks as soon as they manifest. Asthma typically occurs when the child comes into contact with an allergic trigger, such as dust, pollen feathers, molds, chocolate and so on. It’s not enough to keep a child away from these elements to prevent asthma; they’ll need proper medications in order to keep their inflammations under control. It should also be noted that asthma can sometimes surface even without an allergic trigger.

Many pediatricians are equipped to handle cases of children afflicted with asthma. To this day, there’s still no known cure for the illness, though there are ways to mitigate its harmful effects. Pediatricians can supply kids and their parents with suitable, child-friendly medications that can help stave off the deadly symptoms of asthma. The medical experts can also prescribe anti-histamines to prevent allergic attacks, which in turn could trigger asthma.

Does Your Child have Allergies? Read to be Sure

Humans are most vulnerable to diseases during their childhood years because their immune systems have not yet developed well at this point in their lives. As such, it should be no surprise for you to know that the many allergies that currently affect 50 million Americans are usually contracted before puberty. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergic rhinitis is the most common allergy among children.

“Hay fever”, as the allergy is popularly known, is characterized by itchiness, watery eyes, and ear problems. The name is also a misnomer because it doesn’t really cause a fever. Allergic rhinitis can be acquired by coming into contact with furry animals, inhaling dust or spores, or taking part in strenuous physical activities. Children with asthma are more likely to develop this allergy than others.

However, it’s not just hay fever you should worry about. Food allergies are also quite common among children, particularly among infants, since their bodies are still accustomed to their mothers’ milk. This is why cow’s milk is a well-known allergen, despite its large protein and calcium content. Other common food allergens are eggs, peanuts, soy, and certain varieties of fish, although the allergies that they cause typically go away once your child reaches five years of age.