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The Asthma Corner
: How is asthma affected by the environment?
Asthma is most often triggered in children by a respiratory infection,
such as the common cold. But the presence of other irritants -
especially cigarette smoke; tiny insects called dust mites; animal
dander, especially from cats; plant pollen; air pollution, deodorants
or perfume - often make asthma symptoms more frequent, more severe,
and more difficult to control. Other asthma triggers that can
bring on an immediate asthma attack include, exercise, cold air,
and in older children - emotional stress.
Asthma symptoms often appear immediately after exposure to a trigger.
But sometimes the presence of such things as dust or cigarette
smoke can have less obviously immediate effects - though still
be harmful. Sometimes symptoms appear only hours or even days
after exposure. This can make it difficult to identify what a
child reacted to. For example, a child may play with a cat and
seem to have no immediate symptoms. But in a so-called "late
reaction," symptoms appear only later on, which is an indication
of inflammation.
Inflamation resulting from irritants can increase the child's
sensitivity to such triggers as those mentioned above. In other
words, a child constantly exposed to irritants such as cigarette
smoke or dust mites, is more susceptible to having an asthma attack
brought on by a trigger, such as a cold - as compared to a child
not regularly exposed to irritants.
But by decreasing your child's exposure to environmental irritants
and allergens, you can actually reduce your child's need for medication.
Maintaining a healthy breathing environment is an essential part
of the treatment program.
Other Asthma Corner
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it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
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