TYPES OF ASTHMA

ASTHMA DURING CHILDHOOD

Childhood Asthma

When a child is sick, it is natural to feel extremely protective and concerned about their wellbeing.

Children could be at risk of developing Asthma from various causes, even from as early as the time they are born.¹⁸Studies show that half the children who were diagnosed with Asthma by 6 years old, were already wheezing within the first year of life, making it an important sign to look out for. ¹⁹

Taking special care of children is critical to keep their risk of developing the condition as low as possible, and if they already show signs of Asthma, they need to be monitored more closely to minimise the symptoms experienced and reduce the impact the condition can have on their lives.²⁰

What causes Childhood Asthma?

A number of causes have been identified that could possibly lead to Childhood Asthma. These include:^18,19

Genetic Susceptibility

Children who have parents with Asthma or other allergy-related conditions are more likely to develop Asthma.

Maternal Smoking

Maternal smoking during pregnancy can reduce lung function in newborns.

Premature Birth

Being born prematurely or with a low birthweight.

Viral Infection

Severe viral infection in early life (common cold and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections).

Disturbed Microbiome

Disturbed microbiome in the gut and lung (natural bacteria is unbalanced). This is often caused by antibiotic use during early life, exposure to cigarette smoke, and the child’s diet, e.g. not being breastfed.

Air Pollution

Air pollution, even at low levels.

Weight

Being overweight, especially
before the age of 6 years.

Genetic Susceptibility

Children who have parents with Asthma or other allergy-related conditions are more likely to develop Asthma.

Maternal Smoking

Maternal smoking during pregnancy can reduce lung function in newborns.

Premature Birth

Being born prematurely or with a low birthweight.

Viral Infection

Severe viral infection in early life (common cold and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections).

Disturbed Microbiome

Air Pollution

Air pollution, even at low levels.

Overweight

Being overweight, especially before the age of 6 years.

It is important to remember that in children, Asthma triggers extend beyond airborne agents and could include respiratory infections, allergen exposure, environmental irritants (e.g. cigarette smoke and air pollution), physical activity, hormonal fluctuations, medications and psychosocial factors. ¹⁹

WHICH DEVICE WOULD WORK THE BEST?

Explore the devices available to support medicine delivery, suitable for all ages…

Can children outgrow Asthma?

When children with Asthma are grouped into age brackets, more cases are reported in children 1 to 4 years old, and children aged 15 to 19 years are 5 times less likely to have Asthma than the younger age bracket.²⁰

Research has shown that most children with childhood Asthma eventually outgrow their symptoms by adolescence. Children who have allergies, have a parent with Asthma or allergy-related conditions, or had persistent symptoms during early childhood may however suffer from the condition into adulthood. ^18,19

How is Childhood Asthma treated?

In children between the ages of 1 and 5 years, it is quite difficult to definitively diagnose Asthma with the standard tests, and also because young children often suffer some wheezing and coughing without having Asthma. ²¹

Children 5 years and younger who experience wheezing episodes can be treated with a SABA inhaler (reliever).²¹

Children 6 years and older who have been diagnosed with Asthma should be started on a controller inhaler and always carry a reliever with them to use whenever they experience symptoms.¹⁰

Over the last few decades, treatment of children with Asthma has greatly improved, and the recorded child deaths from the condition have reduced significantly by 65 %.²⁰

Always ask your child to demonstrate how and when they use the inhaler(s) when you visit the doctor to make sure the medication is used correctly. The doctor can then correct any incorrect techniques and check whether the medicine is working properly.¹⁰

Find out more about other types of Asthma

Severe Eosinophilic Asthma

Of all asthmatics, 1 in 3 may have Eosinophilic Asthma.²⁷

Mild Asthma

9 out of 10 people visiting a clinic or general practitioner for Asthma have mild-to-moderate Asthma.²²