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Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs and airways. If your toddler has asthma, these airways are irritated
and swollen, and this can affect their ability to breathe. It's important that you work with your child's doctor to prevent
and treat asthma attacks, they will probably prescribe medication to prevent attacks. With the right medications, education,
an asthma action plan, and regular medical follow-ups, most asthmatic children do just fine.
Asthma attacks
If your toddler has an acute asthma attack, the lining of their airways becomes even more inflamed and produces more
mucus, the muscles around the airways tighten. They may breathe rapidly, cough, wheeze, or whistle as the breath is forced
through the narrowed airways. If left untreated or if there's a delay in seeking medical attention, asthma attacks can be
deadly. As soon as you notice symptoms of an attack, promptly give your child the inhaler prescribed by his doctor. If you
have none or this is their first attack call an ambulance. Once the medicine opens his breathing tubes, the symptoms should
subside. If the symptoms persist or get worse call an ambulance.
Allergy’s and asthma
Exposure to allergens such as dust mites, mould, pollens, or animal dander can trigger or worsen symptoms in some children
with asthma, his condition is referred to as allergic asthma. Seasonal allergies to outdoor pollens, hay fever won't usually
be a problem until your child is 4 or 5 because it can take that long to develop sensitivity to them. Allergies to dust mites
mould, or animal dander may develop earlier in life, though. If your toddler has asthma and you know or suspect he has allergies,
you may want to take him to an allergist for further evaluation and treatment to help prevent allergic asthma attacks. Other
common asthma triggers include cold air, viral infections, smoke, or just plain running around.
For information help and support contact Asthma UK at
www.asthma.org.uk
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