children s health issues
Asthma in Children
Prevention of Asthma in Children
It is not yet known how to prevent a child with a family history of asthma from developing asthma. However, there is evidence that children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy are more likely to have asthma. Thus, pregnant women should not smoke, especially if there is a family history of asthma. On the other hand, there are many things that can be done to prevent asthma symptoms or attacks in children whohaveasthma. Asthma flare-upsoften can be prevented by avoiding or trying to control whatever triggers a particular child's attacks. Children who have allergies should have the following items removed from their bedroom: Feather pillows Carpets and rugs Drapes Upholstered furniture Stuffed toys Pets Other potential sources of dust mites and allergens Other ways to reduce allergens include Using synthetic fiber pillows and impermeable mattress covers Washing bed sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water Using dehumidifiers in basements and in other poorly aerated, damp rooms to reduce mold Using steam to clean the home to reduce dust mite allergens Cleaning the house and pest extermination to eliminate cockroach exposure Eliminating smoking in the home Secondhand tobacco smoke often worsens symptoms in children with asthma, so it is important to eliminate smoking at least in areas where the child spends time. Other triggers, such as strong odors, irritating fumes, cold temperatures, and high humidity, should also be avoided or controlled when possible. Because exercise is so important for a child's development, doctors usually encourage children to maintain physical activities, exercise, and sports participation and use an asthma drug immediately before exercising if needed. If a particular allergen cannot be avoided, a doctor may try to desensitize the child by using Allergen immunotherapy (desensitization) , although the benefits of allergy shots for asthma are not well known. Allergy shots are typically more effective in children than adults. If asthma symptoms are not significantly relieved after 24 months, the shots are generally stopped. If symptoms are relieved, the shots should be continued for 3 years or more. However, the optimum length of time to continue the shots is unknown. 