So, like, one in every 10 kids in the good ol’ United States has asthma. It’s like this breathing thing that can mess with pretty much every part of their lives. Asthma is like the main reason kids skip out on school. And get this—it’s also a big reason why kids end up in the hospital. Crazy, right? Research says that if there’s asthma in the fam, your kid might get it too. Oh, and if your little one starts showing allergy symptoms early on, that could be a red flag too. Exposure to smoke, pollution, or super hot temps can also up the asthma risk for kids. Wanna know more about the key risk factors, signs to watch for, and tools that can help figure out if your kid might have asthma? Keep reading, my friend.
Is it a cold or a sneaky sign of asthma? Babies and toddlers are like extra prone to getting colds and other gross respiratory infections. Docs might pick up on wheezing—a high-pitched whistling sound when your kiddo breathes. If your child wheezes during a respiratory infection, it could mean they’re at a higher risk for asthma later on. Their pediatrician will like, check for other signs too. They might use tools like the Asthma Predictive Index (API) and the Pediatric Asthma Risk Score (PARS) to help out.
The API is based on a study of 1,000 kids who got hit with asthma before they even started school. If your child is like 3 or younger and has had 4 or more wheezing episodes, they’re probs gonna develop asthma. And if they have a parent with asthma or eczema, or they’ve had food allergies or high levels of blood eosinophils, watch out. The PARS tool, on the other hand, looks at 6 risk factors to predict if a kid will get asthma by age 7. If the child’s parents have asthma, they had eczema before age 3, they’ve wheezed early on, or they’ve wheezed when not sick, they might be at risk. Oh, and if they or their parents are black, or they’ve had allergy skin testing, that could up the odds too.
Why is an early diagnosis key for kids with asthma? Well, children with asthma need to take their meds regularly to keep their breathing in check. Without their medicines, they could have some serious asthma attacks that might land them in the ER—or even put their life at risk. Getting an early diagnosis can help their asthma care team figure out the right meds and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and protect their lungs. These meds will be part of an asthma action plan that spells out what to do if asthma symptoms act up. This plan is like a guide for all the adults in your child’s life, from teachers to coaches, so they know how to handle an asthma emergency.
Asthma and the “allergic march” are like BFFs. Kids with allergies are at a higher risk for asthma compared to allergy-free kiddos. Conditions like eczema, food allergies, and nasal allergies can slowly lead to an asthma diagnosis. That’s why it’s super important for your child’s doctors to keep an eye on symptoms and work together to give the best care possible.
So, that’s the lowdown on asthma and kids. Keep an eye out for those signs and risk factors, and make sure your child’s care team is on top of things. Stay informed and keep your kiddo healthy!
