Causes of asthma in children that need to be aware of & bull; hello healthy

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that commonly occurs in childhood. However, the appearance of asthma in children is not as simple as it has been thought. Your child will be more prone to developing asthma if they have risk factors for it and are exposed to its triggers. There are many causative factors that increase the risk of asthma in children, as well as the things that trigger it. It is the parents' job to find out which exact trigger is to prevent recurrence of symptoms that can hinder the little one's activities.

Understand the causes of asthma in children

Until now, the exact cause of asthma is not known. However, asthma can occur when the immune system overreacts to certain trigger factors which then cause the respiratory tract to swell and produce mucus.

This condition causes a person to experience recurrent symptoms of wheezing (a 'giggling' sound when breathing), shortness of breath, heavy chest, and coughs that often appear at night or during the day.

It is not certain why some people's bodies show such an excessive response that it causes asthma. Even so, researchers believe that several causal factors such as genetics and environment can increase the risk of asthma in children.

It is important to understand that risk factors are not a definite cause for someone to develop asthma. Having one or more of the following factors does not automatically lead to asthma in every child. Risk factors only increase a person's chances of developing a disease.

Here are some risk factors for asthma in children that parents need to know.

1. Genetic history

Genetic factors or inherited from the family also play a role as a risk factor for asthma in children. So, if one or both parents have asthma, then the child is at high risk for experiencing it too.

The risk will also increase if most of your family and your partner have a history of asthma and allergies.

2. Gender

In addition, among children, boys have a higher risk of developing asthma than girls. Until now, it is not known why gender plays a role as a risk factor for causing asthma in children.

3. Obesity

If your child is overweight or obese, research in the journal Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology reports they may be at a higher risk of developing asthma with symptoms that tend to be more severe than children who are a healthy weight.

Experts suspect that obesity can narrow the airways, making them prone to irritation. It is also what can even make it easier for asthma to recur.

So parents should help children reach their ideal body weight. That way, the risk factors that can cause asthma in this one child can be avoided.

Things that trigger asthma in children

Asthma trigger factors are often found in the environment, both inside and outside the home. Each child will have a different trigger factor, so it is important for parents to know the exact trigger.

Here are some of the most common triggers for asthma in children.

1. Respiratory tract infection

Colds and flu are the most common diseases affecting children. Try to remember again, in one year, how many times has your little one been exposed to these two diseases?

Although they are common conditions, colds and flu should not be underestimated. Because, both can cause asthma in children. Even a number of other respiratory infections, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia can also trigger asthma.

This is because people with asthma have swollen and sensitive airways, and an infection that attacks the airways can make it worse. That is why children who have asthma are generally warned to always take care of their health so that they are not susceptible to contracting respiratory infections.

If your little one is already sick, take prompt and precise treatment so you don't end up with a recurrence of asthma symptoms.

2. Cold air

Asthma is characterized by a number of typical symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and recurring feeling of tightness in the chest. In some people, these symptoms will appear when the air is cold, especially at night or early morning.

The cold air causes the airways to dry out. As a result, the airways are very susceptible to irritation. In addition, cold air can increase mucus production in the body. Well, these two things can trigger a recurrence of asthma symptoms.

Therefore, parents should be aware of the causes of asthma in this one child.

4. Allergies

Allergies are also included in the list of triggers for asthma in children. Children who have certain allergies, their immune system will automatically produce antibodies called histamine to fight allergens (substances that cause allergies).

Asthma can appear as a form of allergic reaction, especially to allergens that are inhaled into the airways.

There are many types of allergens, including animal hair, mites, dust, cockroaches; pollen from trees; grass; and flower; and food.

5. Excessive physical activity

Children love to play and run around. However, excessive physical activity, including high-intensity exercise, can cause asthma to recur in children. Why?

Excessive physical activity can make the child gasping or short of breath. Without realizing it, this allows the child to breathe through the mouth. The mouth does not have fine hair and sinus cavities like the nose which help moisturize the air. Dry air that enters through the lungs will go directly to the lungs, thus triggering a narrowing of the airways

This way of breathing can trigger asthma to recur. In the end, the child will find it more difficult to breathe freely.

6. Cigarette smoke

Inhaling secondhand smoke irritates and inflamed the child's airways. If allowed to continue, this condition can cause asthma in children.

Sharing research has reported that children who are used to cigarette smoke from childhood are more prone to developing asthma than children who are far from secondhand smoke. No kidding, cigarette smoke can make asthma recur more frequently and it is difficult to control even after taking medication.

Ironically again, cigarette smoke can also be absorbed by clothes, carpets, and other objects and leave carcinogens that cannot be lost even after washing. When children touch or breathe near contaminated surfaces, they are more prone to various breathing problems. One of them is asthma.

7. Other trigger factors

Other contributing factors that can trigger asthma in children include:

Laughing or crying too loudly.
Vehicle fumes and air pollution.
Products in the form of a spray (spray) such as perfume.
Products that contain irritants, such as shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, and so on.

See a doctor to determine the originator

Asthma in children tends to be more debilitating than adults. This is because their lungs and airways are so sensitive that they are easily inflamed even if they are only exposed to things that are not really dangerous, such as dust.

Not surprisingly, when asthma recurs, the symptoms often interfere with children's daily activities. Even to the point of making it difficult for them to sleep at night or have to miss school. Therefore, make sure you know the originators early on before it's too late.

It is better to ask the doctor directly to make sure the exact trigger of asthma in children. The doctor will perform a physical examination and pulmonary function tests to confirm the diagnosis. If needed, the doctor can also perform lab tests or imaging tests so that the cause is really known.