Asthma is a deep-rooted respiratory disease that has recurring and variable symptoms. It is inflammatory and blocks the respiratory airways. This makes the airways sensitive, thus reacting to things to which you are allergic. When the airways react, they tend to narrow making it difficult for the air to move freely. This causes shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. These symptoms occur mostly early in the mornings or at night. Asthma starts in childhood and affects people of all ages and gender. As per surveys conducted, it is estimated that around three hundred million people around the world suffer from asthma, of which one-third are children. There are different types of asthma – allergic, non-allergic, nocturnal, occupational, and pregnancy asthma. Studies show that the cases of asthma have increased for people living in cities. In addition, a smoker has increased risk of developing asthma for self as well as others who are subjected to passive smoking. Various things can trigger asthma and to know to which trigger you are sensitive to, is the key to prevent the symptoms.
Common triggers in toddlers
Triggers in children cannot be generalized and is difficult to find and understand. They are not the same for each child and children often have more than one trigger. Even though it is quite impossible to prevent all the triggers, it will be useful to know how to minimize the effect of triggers on your child.
1. Airborne allergies
Children are susceptible to an allergic reaction due to allergens inhaled from the air. These include, dust, pollen, and pollution. When these are inhaled, the airways get inflamed and irritated to cause an asthma symptom. Some of these irritants are seasonal and environmental. Avoid exposure of your kid to such irritants. Keep your windows and doors closed during the season when your kids most often fall sick.
2. Dust mites
House dust mites are common triggers for asthma. They feed on shed human skin and dwell on mattresses, carpets, pillows, and furniture. Dead termites and their feces are great contributors of allergic symptoms. It will be useful to cover all your furnishings with covers that are dust proof. Keep your bed and bed linen clean to avoid dust mites. Also, ensure to clean your child’s soft toys and keep them away from her bed. Clean and vacuum your carpets and home regularly to stay away from mites.
3. Mold
Molds are microscopic fungi and are found commonly in home dust. They form one of the major factors for causing allergic reactions of asthma. At homes, they love to dwell in damp dark spots such as bathrooms, kitchens, basement areas, storage areas, and plumbing spaces. Keep your home dry and ventilated at all times. Ensure to keep the humidity level at around 50 percent. In humid places, use of dehumidifier or air conditioner helps mold from developing.
4. Foods
Certain foods cause asthmatic trigger in children. Studies show that foods such as dairy products and processed foods cause allergic reaction in kids. There are also certain food additives to which children are allergic. You should avoid processed foods that have chemicals such as tartrazine (E102), sulphites and sulphur dioxide(E220, 221, 222, 226, 227), aspirin and salicylates, monosodium glutamate (E261), and benzoic acid (E210). Check the labels of the food product before you buy. If your kid is allergic towards dairy products, you should keep away your kid from milk and its products.
5. Play
Play and exercise is one of the most common asthma triggers in children. Children breathe quickly through their mouth, which causes loss of moisture in the airways, leading to the development of allergic reaction. Your child should always warm up before exercising and should do exercise slowly for the first few minutes. You can have your kid cover his mouth and nose with a scarf while playing or exercising. Avoid playing outdoors when the level of air pollution is high. Use of medicine before exercise or play can help to reduce the symptoms.
6. Passive smoking
Most often children are exposed to passive smoking. Tobacco smoke worsens the airway irritation and causes them to narrow which triggers an allergic reaction. Continued exposure risks the child to have asthma symptoms before the age of five. People around the child should strictly avoid smoking for the sake of the child. You should also avoid your child going to smoky places.
