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By Jill Ross, HealthAtoZ contributing writer
Maybe you first notice it when your child goes to hug the family dog or comes in from a ball game with friends. He's out of breath, coughing and wheezing. Could it be asthma?
Asthma causes inflammation of the lungs. It's the most common childhood chronic illness, and it affects more than 6 million children Asthma is the most common reason for school absences - more than 10 million missed school days each year.
Undiagnosed or undertreated asthma can cause serious long-term damage to the lungs, especially in children.
Get screened
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has a nationwide screening program for asthma.
The program has screened more than 80,000 people who thought they might have asthma and has referred more than half for a professional diagnosis. (For a list of asthma screening locations, see the ACAAI's Web site.)
During a screening, adults who have breathing problems complete a 20-question Life Quality (LQ) test developed by the ACAAI. This self-test can help predict whether you will test positive for a clinical diagnosis of asthma by a doctor. Children 8 to 14 take a special LQ test called the Kids' Asthma Check. Another version of the check is available for parents of children ages 1 to 8 to complete on their child's behalf.
Sample yes-or-no questions from the Kids' Asthma Check include:
- When I walk or play hard with friends, I have trouble breathing or I cough.
- I don't like to run or play sports because I have trouble breathing or I cough.
- Sometimes I wake up at night with coughing or trouble breathing.
Along with the LQ test, people at screenings are given a spirometry test. This is a special lung function test that involves blowing into a tube. They also meet with a doctor to see if they need a thorough exam and diagnosis. Those who know they already have asthma talk with a specialist about their disease and how to keep symptoms under control.
Allergies and asthma share triggers
Symptoms of asthma include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath.
No one knows what causes asthma, but certain triggers are known to bring on asthma attacks. Experts think that at least half of all adult asthmatics and more than half of children have asthma that's triggered by allergens. This includes pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold and even cockroach droppings. Some asthma is also triggered or aggravated by exercise; children are more likely to have their asthma attacks triggered by viral infections, such as colds.
Also, studies have shown that living with a smoker makes a child's asthma worse.
Allergists say there are three basic principles of dealing with allergies and asthma:
- Avoidance of triggers, or allergens
- Anti-inflammatory medication, which includes inhaled corticosteroids
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
Allergy shots can help millions of adults and children with allergic asthma. They help control or reduce asthma symptoms and improve a person's lung function.
Children with asthma do better on allergy shots. Diagnosing and treating children early is important, before their lungs start to develop permanent scarring from asthma.
What kind of treatment your child (or you) might need depends on the severity of the asthma. Experts say avoiding triggers is a first line of defense in managing asthma. For example, make an indoor pet an outdoor pet if dander is triggering an asthma attack, or encase mattresses and pillows in plastic or vinyl zip-lock covers to avoid dust mites.
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External Sources
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American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
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The American Academy of Asthma, Allergies & Immunology
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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