How To Diagnose Asthma In Child

Avoid Exposure To Pollutants

Radon, second-hand smoke, household chemicals and air pollution can worsen asthma symptoms.; According to an American Lung Association State of the Air 2011 report, the area comprised of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Riverside, is fourth in the nation with the worst short-term air pollution. It’s the second worst for year-round air pollution and number one for worst ozone pollution.

That’s why it’s so important for local parents to check news reports and keep asthmatic children inside when pollution levels are particularly high. A simple way to prevent your child’s exposure to smoke is also not to do it around your children.

Plan Ahead With An Asthma Action Plan

TheMayo Clinic recommends writing out anasthma action plan. This plan helps you to know exactly what to do if an asthma attack occurs. Write out this plan so that your child can carry it on them or easily place it in their belongings.

The asthma action plan should contain basic information like their name and any medications they take. The plan should also include what to do when an asthma attack occurs and when to seek medical attention. Writing this plan out will give you peace of mind knowing that you have a course of action in case of an emergency.

What is Aluna?

Aluna is an innovative, scientifically-accurate, and portable spirometer cleared by the FDA.

This device and management program is designed to help adults and children, 5 years and up, monitor their lung function and take control of their respiratory health.

Aluna automatically tracks your FEV1% over time. You can also monitor your symptoms, medication, exercise, and environmental factors.

With the Aluna app, you can easily

Aluna is seeking to shed light on asthma and other lung diseases by providing accurate and reliable data for healthcare providers and patients.

Be sure to ask your healthcare professional about Aluna and how this device can benefit you.

How Will You Know When Your Child’s Asthma Is Well

You will know that your child’s asthma is well-controlled if, while on medications, your child:

• Lives an active, normal life.
• Has few troublesome symptoms.
• Performs daily activities without difficulty.
• Has had no urgent visits to the doctor, emergency department or hospital.
• Has few or no side effects from the medications.

Also Check: How To Stop Asthmatic Cough

Tests Of Bronchial Hyperreactivity

When spirometry is normal, but symptoms and the clinical history are suggestive of asthma, measurement of airway responsiveness using direct airway challenges to inhaled bronchoconstrictor stimuli or indirect challenges may help confirm a diagnosis of asthma.

Tests of bronchial hyperreactivity should be conducted in accordance with standardized protocols in a pulmonary function laboratory or other facility equipped to manage acute bronchospasm. Bronchopovocation testing involves the patient inhaling increasing doses or concentrations of an inert stimulus until a given level of bronchoconstriction is achieved, typically a 20% fall in FEV1. An inhaled rapid-acting bronchodilator is then provided to reverse the obstruction. Test results are usually expressed as the provocative dose or provocative concentration of the provoking agent that causes the FEV1 to drop by 20% . For methacholine, most pulmonary function laboratories use a PC20 value less than 4-8;mg/mL as the threshold for a positive result indicative of airway hyperreactivity, supporting a diagnosis of asthma. However, positive challenge tests are not specific to asthma and may occur with other conditions such as allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease . Therefore, tests of bronchial hyperreactivity may be most useful for ruling out asthma among individuals who are symptomatic. A negative test result in a symptomatic patient not receiving anti-inflammatory therapy is highly sensitive .

Diagnosing Asthma In Children Younger Than 6

It can be hard to tell whether a child under age 6 has asthma or another respiratory condition, because young children often cannot perform a pulmonary function test such as spirometry. After checking a childs history and symptoms, the doctor may try asthma medicines for a few months to see how well a child responds. About 40% of children who wheeze when they get colds or respiratory infections are eventually diagnosed with asthma.

Read Also: How To Cure An Asthma Attack Without An Inhaler

When Will I Get A Confirmed Diagnosis For My Child After Tests

How soon your child will get a confirmed diagnosis depends on how well your child has been able to perform the tests, and how well they have got on with any asthma treatments tried.

Diagnosis of asthma will be confirmed once your childs GP has all the pieces of the puzzle they need:

• Your child has asthma symptoms that come and go.
• Tests showed blocked airways, but reliever medicines helped them.
• Tests for allergic asthma came back positive
• Peak flow measurements showed lung function varied over time.

If tests still do not clearly confirm an asthma diagnosis, but your child is still having symptoms, their GP should review symptoms and re-test in six weeks.

Depending on their results, if asthma is not confirmed, your child may be referred to a specialist for more assessments, or to consider different diagnoses.

Its important to confirm a diagnosis with tests

Even if your child is getting on well with asthma treatments, its important to take them for tests once they are old enough to confirm they have asthma to make sure theyre not taking asthma medicines unnecessarily, or taking more medicines than they need. Its also important to make sure other things have not been missed.

You can get advice and support about asthma tests by calling a respiratory nurse specialist on our Helpline, 0300 222 5800 . Or you can WhatsApp them on 07378 606 728.

What We Know About Asthma And Covid

Asthma is a pre-existing lung condition affecting 1 in 13 people in the U.S. It can cause wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be controlled by taking medications and avoiding triggers.

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus affects cells in the airways, from the nose and throat down to the deepest parts of the lungs. In the nose and throat it might cause symptoms of a cold. In the upper airways, it might cause some breathlessness and cough. When the coronavirus lodges itself deep in the lungs, this is when things can start to get serious. Here, the coronavirus commonly causes a double lung infection, or bilateral pneumonia.;

Interestingly, research so far does not suggest any link between having asthma and getting a more severe COVID-19 illness, or between asthma and coronavirus deaths.;

Whether this is because the SARS-CoV-2 virus doesnt affect people with asthma in the same way as other respiratory viruses, or because there simply isnt enough data yet, remains to be seen.;

Recommended Reading: How Often Can You Use A Nebulizer For Asthma

Recommended Reading: Is Asthma Worse In Cold Weather

Would You Know If Your Child Has Asthma

Asthma affects as many as 10 to 12 percent of children in the United States and is the leading cause of chronic illness in children.

For unknown reasons, the incidence of asthma in children is steadily increasing.

While asthma symptoms can begin at any age, most children experience symptoms by age 5.

What Causes Asthma In Infants And Toddlers

We still do not know what causes some people to get asthma. If a child has a family history of asthma or allergies, a specific allergy or had a mother who smoked during pregnancy, they have a higher chance of getting asthma early in life.

A respiratory virus, an illness that occurs in the lungs, is one of the most common causes of asthma symptoms in children 5 years old and younger. Although both adults and children experience respiratory infections, children have more of them. Some preschool children get viral infections often. At least half of children with asthma show some sign of it before the age of 5. Viruses are the most common cause of acute asthma episodes in infants 6 months old or younger.

Don’t Miss: How To Deal With Asthma Attack Without An Inhaler

Causes And Triggers Of Childhood Asthma

Common triggers include:

• Airway infections. This includes colds, pneumonia, and sinus infections.
• Allergens. Your child might be allergic to things like cockroaches, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen.
• Irritants. Things like air pollution, chemicals, cold air, odors, or smoke can bother their airways.
• Exercise. It can lead to wheezing, coughing, and a tight chest.
• Stress. It can make your child short of breath and worsen their symptoms.

What Can I Do To Reduce Asthma Symptoms

• Learn your childs triggers.
• Allergens like dust mites, pets, pests, molds and pollen can play a role in some childrens asthma.; Discuss with your health care provider whether an evaluation by an allergist may be helpful.
• Follow your asthma management plan and give the medicines prescribed by your childs doctor.
• Avoid smoking near your child.

Also Check: Can Qvar Cause Weight Gain

Asthma Action Plans For Children

An;asthma;action;planis a clear written summary of;instructions for when;your childs asthma;symptoms change. Everyone with asthma should have a personalised;asthma;action;plan written by their doctor.;

Your childs;asthma;action;plan will tell you:;

• how to recognise when your childs asthma is getting worse or an attack is developing, and the steps you should take to manage it;
• symptoms that are serious, indicating a need for urgent medical help ;
• your childs asthma triggers.;

Make sure you;understand and can;follow the;asthma;action;plan from your doctor.;

Asthma Treatment For Children

When it comes to the topic of asthma treatment for children, it is important to note that doctors are going to be heavily focused on making sure that they receive the right type and dose of medication required to keep their condition under control. It is common for doctors to take a step up/step down approach to asthma treatment in child patients. If the current medication dosage is not successfully controlling the problem, they will often choose to step it up. They will likewise often decide to step down the dosage if the childs asthma is well controlled.;

The list of medications that are used to control asthma symptoms in children include:

• Leukotriene modifiers
• Inhaled corticosteroids

The majority of medications used to treat asthma in children are given through devices that allow them to breathe it into their lungs directly. This includes the use of dry powder inhalants, metered-dose inhalers, and nebulizers.

Read Also: Does Medical Marijuana Help Asthma

The General Information Provided On The Website Is For Informational Purposes And Is Not Medical Advice

Do NOT use this Website for medical emergencies.

If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on this Website. Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed and qualified health provider in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Website and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.

Face Masks And Spacer Devices

Most young children will be prescribed a face mask which attaches to their inhaler. Older children will be prescribed a ‘spacer device’. A spacer device is a plastic or metal container with a mouthpiece and a hole for the inhaler.

If your child has been prescribed a face mask or a spacer device, it is important to always use these. Face masks and spacers are the best way of making sure that your child gets the correct dose of medication right to their lungs.

Read Also: What To Do When Having An Asthma Attack Without Inhaler

If Your Child Could Have Asthma Speaking To A Doctor Is Crucial

If you suspect that your child may have asthma, you must speak with your doctor so that they can be tested. Your doctor can perform a lung function test known as spirometry. This test determines how well a childs lungs are functioning by measuring the amount of air that they can exhale. It also measures how quickly they can do so.;

Asthma is a serious condition that must be controlled through medical treatment. For this reason, it is important to identify it as early as possible in children.

Video: What Happens After Being Diagnosed With Asthma

Transcript of âWhat happens after being diagnosed with asthma?â

0:00 It can be really scary to be told you have asthma and itâs natural to worry about how it might affect your life. The

0:08 good news is that thereâs lots of support out there to help you manage the condition and to help you to stay well.

0:15 You may wonder if your asthma can be cured. Well, even though we donât have a cure for asthma at the moment, thereâs so much we can do with the right medicines,

0:25 the right treatments, the right advice and support to help you stay well, so that the asthma wonât affect your life,

0:31 whether it be work or your play. You might find that when youâre just diagnosed with asthma it takes a little

0:38 bit of time to get your medicines just right so that you are living without symptoms every day. Be patient, hang on in there.

0:47 The most important thing is to develop a really good relationship with your doctor or nurse. With them you can draw up an asthma action plan, which you can

0:56 download from our website. Thatâll really help you to manage your asthma well, and we know that youâre four times less likely to need to go to hospital if

1:04 youâve got one of these. So, if you have just been diagnosed with asthma, try and stay positive. Thereâs so much you can do to stay well. You can visit our website,

1:14 or phone one of our friendly asthma nurse specialists, or even join a forum. Remember that weâre here to help.

Also Check: Do Steroid Inhalers Cause Weight Gain

How Do You Give Your Child Asthma Medication

You will be giving your child asthma medications using a valved holding chamber device or a home nebulizer .

Your child may be able to use a metered dose inhaler with a VHC. A VHC is a chamber that attaches to the MDI and holds the burst of medication. Talk with your child’s provider to see if an MDI with VHC is right for your child.

The nebulizer delivers asthma medications by changing them from a liquid to a mist. Your child gets the medicine by breathing it in through a facemask or mouthpiece.

There are some asthma medications that are also breath-actuated, or come as a dry powder. These medications are given to older children who are able to demonstrate the appropriate technique for using them.

Does Health Insurance Cover Asthma Treatment

Most health insurance plans provide some level of coverage for asthma patients. Check with your insurance carrier for details. Some things you may want to find out might include:

Do you need a referral to an asthma/allergy care specialist from your internist or family physician?

Does the insurance carrier offer any patient education or specialized services related to asthma?

What coverage is offered for pre-existing conditions?

What medications are not covered by your plan?

Is a flu shot covered as part of asthma care? A pneumonia vaccine?

The information provided in this fact sheet should not be a substitute for seeking responsible, professional medical care.

Reprinted with permission from Asthma and Allergy Answers, the patient education library developed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Donât Miss: Can Smoking Weed Cause Asthma

Recommended Reading: Does Smoking Weed Help Asthma

Does Your Child Have Any Of These Symptoms

Wheezing and/or Chest TightnessSometimes this takes place only with exercise or with a cold.

A young child who has frequent wheezing with colds or respiratory infections is more likely to have asthma if:

• A parent has asthma.
• The child shows signs of allergies, including the allergic skin condition eczema.
• The child wheezes even when he or she doesn’t have a cold or other infection.

Frequent CoughMay be more common at night, and the child may or may not cough up mucus. You may notice your child is tired during the day, possibly due to lack of sleep.

Shortness of BreathThis is a feeling of not getting enough air into the lungs. It may occur only once in a while, or often.;Shortness of breath can feel like tiredness or a decreased ability to do normal activities. Young children who are not yet verbal may experience feeding problems with shortness of breath while older children may describe tiredness, fatigue or just not being able to keep up with other kids their age.

Using Medicine As Prescribed Can Prevent Asthma Attacks

• Inhaled corticosteroids and other control medicines can prevent asthma attacks.
• Rescue inhalers or nebulizers can give quick relief of symptoms
• But . . . about half of children who are prescribed asthma control medicines do not use them regularly.

SOURCE: National Health Interview Survey, 2013.

The Federal government is

• Working with state, territorial, private and non-government partners to support medical management, asthma-self management education, and, for people at high risk, home visits to reduce triggers and help with asthma management. ,
• Providing guidelines, tools such as asthma action plans, and educational messages to help children, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals better manage asthma.
• Promoting policies and best practices to reduce exposure to indoor and outdoor asthma triggers such as tobacco smoke and air pollution.
• Tracking asthma rates and assuring efficient and effective use of resources invested in asthma services.

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers are

Some payers/health insurance plans are

Parents and children are

Schools are

Don’t Miss: Asthma Without An Inhaler