Dubai, UAE - Asthma is a chronic condition that impacts the airways (tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs) in your child’s lungs. At times, the airway can be inflamed and narrowed making it harder for air to flow in and out, similar to a pinched straw. This restricts your child’s ability to breathe normally and can lead to chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing. An asthma attack might start when certain triggers cause these symptoms to appear or get worse.

Although asthma can occur at any age, it typically does so in childhood when your child's immune system is still growing. The majority of children with asthma experience their first symptoms around age 5. To control your child's asthma, it's crucial to have a plan in place.

Symptoms
Not all kids with asthma experience the same symptoms. Also, your child's symptoms may change from one episode to the next. Some signs of childhood asthma include:
Frequent fits of coughing. Your youngster may have coughing episodes while they are playing or exercising, outside in the cold, or when laughing or weeping. Also, they could happen at night or shortly after your child wakes up. Sometimes, the only symptom is coughing.
Coughing or breathing issues keep your child from getting enough sleep.
Avoiding social or sporting events.
Less strength while playing.
Breathing quickly or having trouble breathing (dyspnea).
Complaining that their chest "hurts" or is tight.
Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing.
Retractions. When your child tries to breathe and the area between their ribs and neck sinks in. Retractions indicate that your child is exerting a lot of effort to breathe.
Fatigue or feelings of weakness.
Irritability.
Having difficulty eating or chewing when eating (in infants).

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to the best pediatric doctor in Dubai or visit your nearest emergency room.

Asthma is one of the most widespread disorders in children. Though asthma has no permanent cure, it can be prevented with certain lifestyle changes, precautions, and various strategies to lessen asthma triggers in your house.

5 ways to Prevent Asthma in your child
Clean thoroughly
Clean your home completely to reduce exposure to asthma triggers including dust, pet dander, and mould. Regular vacuuming is necessary to remove dirt that can become lodged in the dense fibres of carpets, rugs, and thick draperies. To lessen exposure to pet fur and allergies that may drag in from outside, don't let pets in your child's bedroom or playroom. Scented cleaning products might leave behind potent aromas that could set off an attack, try to use fragrance-free cleaners.

By utilising "allergen-impermeable" bedding and maintaining low indoor humidity, dust mites, a common asthma trigger, can be decreased. Your child with asthma should not have carpeting or stuffed animals in their bedroom, if at all possible.

Encourage your child to stay active
Make sure your child plays actively every day. A healthy lifestyle should include regular exercise as it can enhance lung function. See your primary care provider to find out which activities are best for your child if asthma symptoms worsen after exercise. Moreover, make sure to check the air quality (tracked by the Air Quality Index) if you intend to exercise or play outside. Smog and mould are two environmental pollutants that can aggravate asthma symptoms and possibly even cause an attack.

The majority of children with asthma can engage in physical activity without risk. Anxiety brought on by the worry of starting an asthma episode might also make your kid stay inside and limit activities. Discuss a plan with a kids specialist in Dubai that enables your child to be active.

Limit your child’s exposure to smoke
Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke have a significant chance of having asthma. To lower the risk of asthma episodes, limit your child's exposure to smoke, including cigars, cigarettes, and even wood fires. Although wood smoke may appear to be safe, it contains irritants and particles that can cause asthma symptoms and attacks.

Encourage them to Stay healthy
Another crucial method you may assist your child in preventing an asthma attack is by keeping them healthy. Some respiratory illnesses, colds, and the flu can exacerbate or trigger an asthma attack. Viruses and bacteria can spread through the air or on objects like toys, light switches, and doorknobs. To reduce exposure, clean communal places. Encourage your child to wash their hands and to always cover their mouth when they sneeze or cough into the curve of their elbow.

Children with asthma often suffer from allergies, which can lead to attacks. Consult your paediatrician about effective allergy treatments. A paediatric allergist can identify your child's allergies and offer a treatment plan, which may include testing and immunotherapy if there is no improvement.

Have an action plan
If your child has asthma, discuss creating an asthma action plan with your healthcare provider. The action plan for your child should list known allergens and triggers, daily and emergency medications, and specific directions for how you want your child to be treated in the event of an asthma attack. Moreover, to ensure that everyone is ready, discuss the plan with your child's school and other carers.

myPediaclinic - the best pediatric clinic in Dubai
Our experienced award-winning Pediatricians at myPediaclinic in Dubai Healthcare City help young children have a stress-free and relaxing visit. As one of the most trusted and kid-friendly clinics in the country, the doctors and staff at myPediaclinic are focused on delivering quality treatment and consultation for the long-term health and well-being of their patients.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment