Geisinger expert offers advice on how to manage child's asthma

Asthma is the leading cause of hospital visits and missed school days in children, according to the National Institute of Health. A chronic condition, pediatric asthma requires continual care to prevent serious, life-threatening asthma attacks. In recognition of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in May, a Geisinger expert offers advice on how to manage your child's asthma.

According to the Respiratory Health Association, more than 9.5 million U.S. children under age 18 are living with asthma.

"Asthma is generally characterized by excessive sensitivity of the lungs to various stimuli," said Michael Facktor, M.D., FAAP, FAAAAI, a pediatric allergy specialist at Geisinger Medical Center (GMC). "Because this condition is so prevalent in children, we encourage parents to look closely for warning signs of asthma. Your child may have more than just a persistent cough."

According to Dr. Facktor, common symptoms include difficulty breathing or rapid breaths, shortness of breath while resting or a persistent nighttime cough.

Triggers that cause asthma include allergens such as mold, pollen and dander; irritants such as air pollution or cigarette smoke; cold air or changes in the weather; and viral infections such as the common cold.

"Some asthma patients can breathe normally most of the time, but some children with asthma may experience mild symptoms on a continual basis, in the form of wheezing, chest tightness or coughing often in the morning, at night or after physical exertion," said Dr. Facktor. "When exposure to triggers causes symptoms to worsen, patients experience an asthma attack that comes on quickly with severe symptoms."

Dr. Facktor describes an asthma attack as a period of difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. The body responds to overexposure to triggers with swelling in the bronchial lining causing increased mucus secretions in the airway, ultimately making little room through which air can pass. Asthma attacks are not only scary for children, but can be life-threatening if not properly treated.

If your child has asthma, know the warning signs of an asthma attack. These include difficulty breathing, sweating and rapid pulse.

"Fortunately, treatment is available for the long-term management of asthma," said Dr. Facktor. "Medications are often effective in reducing underlying inflammation in the airways to relieve or prevent airway narrowing. Quick-relief medications are also used to control symptoms during an attack. During a severe asthma attack, children should seek immediate medical attention."

To keep asthma symptoms at bay and keep airways open, children will commonly be prescribed a daily control drug in the form of an inhaler. Asthma patients should also have a quick-relief or "rescue" drug, available at all times. Rescue drugs, either in the form of an inhaler or oral steroid, work fast to control symptoms in the instance of an asthma attack.

Parents can play a large role in helping their child live with asthma by reducing the amount of triggers to which children are exposed. Dr. Facktor recommends eliminating tobacco smoke from the home and keeping humidity levels low to reduce the growth of mold. Bedding can be covered with allergy-proof casings to reduce exposure to dust mites.

"Asthma can have a big impact on your child's life," said Dr. Facktor. "Fortunately, with the proper education, treatment and lifestyle, asthma doesn't have to control your child's life."