Asthma is a very common illness especially among children. While many people of various ages suffer from asthma, the younger population counts the most in terms of incidence of the disease. Asthma, as we all know, affects breathing. Normal kids breathe easily- they inhale, the air they breathe passes through their windpipe and enters the lungs. However, for children with asthma, the normal physiology of breathing is altered because the airways can be easily affected and irritated.

An asthma attack or asthma flare-up happens when the bronchial walls, the passage way of air into the lungs and the alveoli becomes swollen and often times produce mucus secretions, making entrance of air harder and breathing more difficult.

Causes of Asthma

Asthma has different causes but the most popular causes are allergens. These allergens may include smokes, pollens, dusts, animal furs, and even perfumes or scents. These allergens trigger the bronchial walls and irritate them making the passageway of air narrower.

In some cases, presence of illnesses such as cough and colds also trigger asthma. Some children may also suffer from asthma attack in cold environments or while having their exercises.

Treatment of Asthma

With allergens being considered the prime cause of asthma, the treatment for asthma is desensitization. In desensitization, the person attempts to free himself or his environment from the asthma causing allergens. This may include regular cleaning of the house, avoiding people who smoke, preventing contact with furry animals and the like.

During an asthma attack, the person may also use drugs which are called inhalers. These inhalers are puffed through the mouth and breathed in. This inhaler works by relaxing the airways and widening them in order for air to pass through smoothly and easily.

Asthma can also be managed by having a kid engaged into sports which exercises their respiratory system, this includes swimming, running and jogging and the like. This may be done, provided that the child takes things easily because chances are, stress related to these activities may further trigger asthma spells.

Asthma medications also exist in different types, depending on the type of treatment. There are asthma drugs for long term treatment, while there are also drugs for quick relief. Commonly, there are also drugs which aids in treating allergy induced asthma.

Can Asthma Be Cured?

The curative potential of children suffering from asthma may vary from person to person. There are some children whose asthma flare ups just disappear after childhood- which some experts relate to the growth of bronchial walls as they mature. There are also some who carry the disease until adulthood. Similarly, some adults may also suffer from asthma, even they haven't had asthma attacks when they were young.

Asthma is a very concerning disease as it affects about 2 out of every 10 children in the US. The best thing to do if you have noticed your child experiencing difficulty in breathing is to consult in the nearest clinic because chances are, your child might be suffering from asthma.