Embedded Files
Common Causes & Prevention of Asthma Flare Ups in Children
1. Allergy-induced Asthma
Allergy-induced asthma is the most common type of asthma in children. Approximately 60% of people with asthma have allergy-induced asthma. and it impacts 90% of children with asthma. About 80% of asthma cases start in the first 6 years of a child's life, so it is important to recognize the common causes and symptoms of asthma.
Triggers:
airborne substance
Causes:
pollen, mold spores, dust mites
dander, skin particles
tobacco smoke
Typical Symptoms:
coughing, wheezing
shortness of breath/tight chest
itchy eyes
rashes, hives
sneezing
Prevention:
limit the child's outdoor exposure when pollen levels are high
take note of the child's allergic triggers to limit exposure
example: allergies to house animals or pollen from outside
implement an outdoor-indoor clothing system
example: children wear indoor clothing only indoors to prevent pollen seeping into couches and chairs
ensure that your child always has their inhaler with them to prevent an asthma attack without support
take your child to a pediatric allergist to find the best treatment and prevention strategy for your child's asthma
2. Exercise-Induced Asthma
Exercise-induced Asthma is the second leading cause of asthma in children. It occurs in 40-90% of asthmatic children.
Triggers:
difficult physical activity
Causes:
dry and cold air (less moisture than warm air - dehydrates airways)
Typical Symptoms*:
coughing, wheezing, fatigue
shortness of breath/tight chest
poor athletic performance
*symptoms usually begin within the first 10 minutes of exercising
Prevention:
encourage children to wear loose clothing
encourage children to exercise in warm environments
have children participate in warm-ups to condition airways for breathing during strenuous experiences
make sure child takes frequent breaks during exercise
ensure that your child always has their inhaler with them to prevent an asthma attack without support
take your child to a pediatric allergist to find the best treatment and prevention strategy for your child's asthma
3. Occupational Asthma
Occupational Asthma is not common in children. However, the fumes and substances that are bought into the house from jackets and clothing worn by the child's parents/guardians at their workplaces may have a negative effect on the children in the home and could potentially worsen their child's asthma.
Triggers:
workplace irritants
asthma caused by introduction of materials in the workplace
Causes:
chemical fumes, soot, gases (ozone)
mold, dust
animal substances
Typical Symptoms:
coughing, wheezing
shortness of breath/tight chest
Prevention:
limit exposure to substances to irritants
example: irritating chemicals, dust, and airborne particles
implement an outdoor-indoor clothing system
example: where parents wear indoor clothing only indoors to prevent contaminants from seeping into beds and couches
wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to limit exposure to substances
PPE examples: masks and gloves
follow safety training at work to understand all hazards and responsibilities involved with handling irritating materials
Page updated
Report abuse