Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Know the Signs and Symptoms of Asthma in Your Child

By Nancy Fair

Asthma in children is a very serious condition that can be potentially life threatening if not managed properly. However, it can be difficult to recognize asthma symptoms in children. It can be more difficult to control as well. That's because children simply aren't as focused on their symptoms and the need for treatment.

There are several symptoms that you need to keep an eye out for in order to recognize and treat pediatric asthma. The most typical signs of an asthma attack are coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. There's isn't much difference in symptoms between adults and children.

However, they can sometimes be more difficult to detect when it comes to the younger generation. For example, if your child is running around playing, they could easily become overheated and short of breath. But this is also a signal that an asthma attack is happening. Your child might be having more trouble breathing than you realize.

To date, no one has found the cure for asthma. However, there are many ways to effectively manage the condition. Typically, a child with asthma will be prescribed an inhaler. This is the fastest way of getting medicine to the lungs when it's required immediately. Frequently, pediatric asthma is treated with something known as combination therapy. This means using an inhaler that contains two or more medications rather than just one.

Many parents choose to manage their child's condition by incorporating natural treatment methods. But before starting any new treatments, it's important that you consult with your doctor. Natural asthma remedies can interact with the prescribed medications your child is taking. Since they're natural, people tend to think of them as completely benign. The truth is, though, that they sometimes have ingredients that don't react well with other medications.

There are also natural ways to help deal with asthma that are based on lifestyle management instead of supplementation. These are considered to be a safe and effective supplement to medication. Many people create an asthma management plan in order to gain control of the situation. Your whole family should be alert to the triggers of a potential attack. You need to recognize the warning signs that usually precede it. And of course, you both need to know exactly how to treat an attack once you recognize the signs.

Pediatric asthma doesn't have to ruin your child's life. When properly managed, he or she can enjoy a normal childhood. The key to this is learning as much as you can about the condition and how to treat it.

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