Could Your Child Have Asthma? Take This Quiz to Find Out
Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children. It causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Since asthma often develops in early childhood, it's important for parents to be able to recognize the signs. Take this simple quiz to determine if your child may be showing symptoms of asthma:
Quiz: Does My Child Have Asthma?
1. Does your child have a chronic cough?
A. Yes, a cough that goes on for weeks or months
B. Yes, a cough that starts up whenever they run or play
C. No, they do not have a chronic cough
2. Does your child ever wheeze when breathing?
A. Yes, wheezing is common during or after physical activity
B. Yes, but only when they have a cold or allergies
C. No wheezing
3. Does your child get short of breath easily?
A. Yes, with minor exertion like climbing stairs
B. Yes, but only with intense activity or sports
C. No, they don't seem to get winded easily
4. Does your child complain about chest tightness or discomfort?
A. Yes, even when resting at times
B. Only during or after exercise
C. No, no chest discomfort
5. Does your child have trouble sleeping due to coughing?
A. Yes, coughing often disrupts their sleep
B. Occasionally, mostly when sick
C. No, coughing doesn't affect sleep
6. Does your child ever complain that their chest feels tight or like something is sitting on it?
A. Yes, they have described chest tightness or pressure
B. No, they have not complained of that sensation
7. Does your child have allergy symptoms like congestion, sneezing or a runny nose?
A. Yes, allergy symptoms are common
B. No, allergies don't seem to be an issue
8. Does your child get frequent colds that go to the chest?
A. Yes, colds almost always settle in their chest
B. No, colds don't tend to affect their chest often
9. Does anyone in your family have asthma?
A. Yes, a parent or sibling has asthma
B. No family history of asthma
10. Does your child ever need to stop playing due to coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath?
A. Yes, they have to stop frequently to catch their breath
B. No, they don't need to stop playing for breathing issues
Quiz Results
If you answered mostly A's:
Your child is very likely exhibiting asthma symptoms. It's important to make an appointment with their pediatrician for an evaluation. An asthma diagnosis can be made through a medical history, physical exam, and lung function tests.
If you answered mostly B's:
Your child may be showing possible signs of asthma. Their symptoms seem to be triggered by activity, colds or allergies. See the pediatrician to determine if asthma testing is recommended based on the pattern of symptoms.
If you answered mostly C's:
Your child is not showing strong signs of asthma at this time. However, keep an eye out for any breathing difficulties like chronic coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath which may develop later. See a doctor if any asthma-like symptoms arise.
Asthma Basics
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that cannot be cured, but it can be managed effectively. Here is an overview of asthma causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options:
What Causes Asthma?
The exact causes of asthma are unknown, but it's believed to stem from a combination of environmental and genetic factors, including:
- Family history of asthma or allergies
- Exposure to irritants or allergens
- Respiratory infections in early childhood
- Smoking
- Air pollution
- Obesity
In those with asthma, the airways become inflamed and swollen in response to triggers. The muscles around the airways tighten and excess mucus clogs the airways, causing coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest discomfort.
Asthma Symptoms in Children
Typical asthma signs and symptoms in kids include:
- Chronic cough, especially at night
- Wheezing sound when exhaling
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness, pressure or discomfort
- Difficulty breathing during physical activity
- Coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath with colds
- Fatigue or reduced ability to exercise
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time. Pay attention to any breathing difficulties, as early diagnosis leads to better asthma control.
Getting an Asthma Diagnosis
Asthma can be diagnosed by your pediatrician based on your child's pattern of symptoms and through tests such as:
- Physical exam - Listening to lungs for wheezing.
- Medical history - Discussing symptoms and family history.
- Lung function tests - Spirometry measures airflow obstruction by having your child blow into a tube.
- Challenge testing - Monitoring lung function after exposing your child to suspected triggers to induce asthma symptoms.
- Allergy testing - Allergies commonly comorbid with asthma.
Once an asthma diagnosis is made, your pediatrician can provide guidance on creating an effective asthma management plan for your child.
Asthma Medications and Treatment
While there is no cure for asthma, symptoms can be controlled well through a combination of:
- Avoiding triggers - Such as tobacco smoke, pollution, allergens, mold, etc.
- Quick-relief inhalers - Such as albuterol to stop acute asthma attacks.
- Long-term control medications - Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation.
- Allergy medications - If allergies trigger their asthma.
- Bronchodilators - Help open up airways.
- Biologic therapy - Newer injected medication to reduce inflammation in severe asthma.
Following an asthma action plan tailored with your child's doctor is key. Make sure to schedule regular check-ups to monitor your child's condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Preventing Asthma Triggers
One of the most effective ways to control asthma is by avoiding things that can trigger an attack. Some of the most common asthma triggers include:
Allergens
Allergens like animal dander, dust mites, pollen and mold can cause asthma flare ups. Tips to reduce allergen exposure:
- Keep pets out of your child's bedroom.
- Use allergen proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
- Limit stuffed animals and dust-collecting dcor.
- Clean regularly to control dust and dander.
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity below 50%.
- Change air conditioner and furnace filters regularly.
- Avoid going outside in early morning when pollen counts are highest.
Respiratory Infections
Colds, bronchitis, sinus infections and the flu can worsen asthma. Ways to reduce risk include:
- Practice good hand washing.
- Teach your child to sneeze/cough into elbow.
- Avoid contact with those who are sick.
- Get annual flu vaccine.
- Talk to your doctor about additional vaccines such as for pneumonia or RSV.
Irritants
Chemicals, strong odors and air pollution act as irritants that can trigger asthma attacks. Strategies include:
- Avoid exposure to tobacco or wood smoke.
- Use unscented personal care and cleaning products.
- Make sure there is proper ventilation when painting or using harsh chemicals.
- Limit outdoor time on high pollution days.
- Cover nose and mouth with scarf outside in winter.
Exercise
Physical activity is a common asthma trigger in kids. Ways to reduce symptoms:
- Have your child do a warmup and cooldown when exercising.
- Make sure they take asthma medicine before sports or physical education class at school.
- Choose non-contact sports like swimming or golf.
- Exercise indoors when air pollution and pollen counts are high.
- Drink plenty of water and wear a mask or scarf over the nose and mouth in cold weather.
Food Allergies
If certain foods trigger your child's asthma, avoidance is key. Other tips include:
- Identify food triggers through an elimination diet under a doctor's supervision.
- Read food labels carefully.
- Bring safe snacks for your child to have at school.
- Inform coaches and caregivers about food allergies.
- Carry emergency epinephrine if food allergies may cause anaphylaxis.
Heartburn/GERD
Asthma can be aggravated by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Strategies include:
- Avoid spicy, fried and acidic foods.
- Don't eat within a few hours of bedtime.
- Raise the head of the bed by a few inches.
- Have your child aim for a healthy weight.
- Discuss antacids or other reflux medications with your pediatrician.
Paying attention to your child's unique asthma triggers and making adjustments to reduce exposure is key for gaining control over symptoms.
Creating an Asthma Action Plan
A detailed written asthma action plan is highly recommended for asthma management. Your child's doctor can help develop a plan that outlines:
- Daily maintenance medications to take
- Names and dosages of quick-relief medicines
- Peak flow readings and symptom thresholds for initiating quick-relief medication
- Emergency numbers and instructions
- Steps to handle worsening asthma or attacks
Make sure your child, teachers, caregivers, coaches and others have a copy of the action plan. Update it at least yearly and whenever medications or symptoms change.
Taking Asthma Medications Correctly
The two main types of asthma medications include:
- Long-term control - Such as inhaled corticosteroids taken daily to reduce inflammation and prevent attacks.
- Quick relief - Fast acting bronchodilators like albuterol used as needed for acute symptoms.
Tips for proper medication use include:
- Use a spacer for optimal drug delivery with inhalers.
- Rinse mouth after steroid inhaler use to prevent thrush.
- Remember to bring inhalers and any oral medicine to school.
- Store inhalers properly and discard expired ones.
- Refill medications before they run out completely.
- Never share any inhalers with others.
Work closely with your child's doctor to find the most effective asthma treatments with minimal side effects.
Using a Peak Flow Meter
Tracking peak flow readings can help assess your child's level of asthma control each day. Tips include:
- Record their best reading daily when symptoms are well-controlled.
- Compare daily readings to personal best.
- Measure readings twice daily during illness or asthma flare up.
- Bring meter to doctor visits to assess lung function.
- Adjust medications if readings indicate asthma worsening.
Peak flow monitoring helps detect changes requiring modification in treatment before symptoms escalate.
Handling Asthma Emergencies
Even with good control, asthma attacks and worsening symptoms can still occur. Know how to handle these situations:
Recognizing Signs of an Asthma Emergency
Call 911 immediately if your child has any of the following:
- No improvement minutes after initial quick-relief inhaler use
- Difficulty walking or talking due to shortness of breath
- Lips or fingernails turning blue
- Chest and neck pulling in sharply with breathing
- Peak flow reading less than 50% of their best
Do not wait as delayed treatment of asthma attacks can become life threatening.
Administering Quick-Relief Medication
For asthma flare ups or attacks at home:
- Give prescribed fast-acting inhaler (often albuterol)
- Use spacer for youngest children who can't coordinate inhaler use
- May repeat dose every 20 minutes for up to 3 doses if needed
- Stay calm, have child sit upright and breathe slowly
If symptoms don't improve or peak flow stays below 50%, go to the ER or call 911.
Seeking Emergency Asthma Care
In the emergency room, treatment options include:
- Oxygen
- Nebulized albuterol and epinephrine
- Oral or intravenous corticosteroids
- Intravenous fluids for dehydration
- Intubation for severely impaired breathing
Hospitalization may be required for a severe asthma attack. Your child is at higher risk if they have had a prior ICU admission or intubation for asthma.
Living Well with Asthma
Though incurable, asthma can be managed for your child to live an active, healthy life. Some tips include:
Exercising Regularly
- Helps strengthen lungs
- Prevents deconditioning
- Ideal to swim, walk, bike
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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