Asthma
Asthma
Asthma: An Overview:
- Asthma is a condition affecting the airways in the lungs. In children with asthma, the airways become inflamed, which causes them to become red, swollen, narrower, and highly reactive to irritants. This inflammation results in recurrent episodes of coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing (a whistling sound in the chest), and sometimes a feeling of chest tightness.
How Common is Asthma in Children? :
- Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children. Worldwide, approximately 8-10% of children are affected by asthma. In India, estimates indicate that 10-15% of children aged 5-11 years have asthma.
What Causes Asthma in Children?:
- The exact cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it is generally considered a multifactorial disease. Genetics play a significant role, as asthma often runs in families. Other factors that may increase the risk of asthma include exposure to tobacco smoke, repeated respiratory infections, and environmental allergens.
What Other Allergies are Commonly Associated with Asthma in Children? :
- Common allergies that are often associated with asthma include skin allergies (atopic eczema), nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis), eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis), and food allergies.
