Bronchial Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by an obstruction of air flow.

The inflammation of the airways makes them very sensitive resulting in spasm of the airways that tend to narrow, particularly when the lungs are exposed to allergens, cold air, viral infections, smoke and exercise. The reduced airways result in a reduction in the amount of air going into the lungs making it hard for the child to breathe.

How Asthma affects children:

The tendency to develop Asthma is often inherited. It has also been suggested that there is an association between day care environment and wheezing. Those who started day care early were twice as likely to develop wheezing in their first year of life as those who did not attend day care. Many children with Asthma can breathe normally for a few weeks or months between flares. When flares do occur, they often seem to happen without warning.

Bronchial Asthma was found more often in children born during August to October, possibly due to more viral infections during their first six months of life.

Children younger than 18 years of age account for a large portion of emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to asthma exacerbation. Asthma causes children and adolescents to miss school and causes parents to miss days at work.

Signs and Symptoms:

1) Wheezing: A musical high pitched whistling sound produced by airflow turbulence is one of the most common symptoms of Asthma.

2) Cough

3) Nocturnal/ Exercise induced cough: Children usually tend to cough after midnight, during early hours of morning or after exercise.

4) Shortness of Breath


1) Pulmonary function test

2) Allergy Test

3) Radiography

Management of Asthma and is it possible to boost the child’s Immunity:

Although Inhalers and medications do provide relief, but considering their side effects and the repeated intervention that is needed,parents prefer Natural therapies like Salt Room Therapy that provide a very potent alternative to heavy medications. Kids have a natural aversion to medicines. A few Salt room therapy sessions under the playful environment provided within the Salt room helps the child build up immunity and steer clear of repeated Asthma and Wheezing attacks.

Dr.Vanikala Venugopal
RespiCare Whitefield