Asthma facts

How can I tell if my child has asthma?
Signs and symptoms to look for include:

*Frequent coughing spells, which may occur during play, at night, or while laughing. It is important to know that cough may be the only symptom present. (dalam kes kami, kalau tersedak pun bleh menyebabkan asthma depa..huhuhu)
*Less energy during play
*Rapid breathing
*Complaint of chest tightness or chest "hurting"
*Whistling sound (wheezing) when breathing in or out
*See-saw motions (retractions) in the chest from labored breathing
*Shortness of breath, loss of breath
*Tightened neck and chest muscles
*Feelings of weakness or tiredness

** Experiences with my two kids- all symptoms persists!!

Keep in mind that not all children have the same asthma symptoms, and these symptoms can vary from asthma episode to the next episode in the same child. Also note that not all wheezing or coughing is caused by asthma.
In kids under 5 years of age, the most common cause of asthma-like symptoms is upper respiratory viral infections such as the common cold.
If your child has problems breathing, take him or her to the doctor immediately for an evaluation.

How is asthma treated in kids?
Based on your child's history and the severity of asthma, his or her doctor will develop a care plan, called an "asthma action plan." The asthma action plan describes when and how your child should use asthma medications, what to do when asthma gets worse, and when to seek emergency care for your child. Make sure you understand this plan and ask your child's doctor any questions you may have.
Your child's asthma action plan is important to successfully controlling his or her asthma. Keep it handy to remind you of your child's daily asthma management plan, as well as to guide you when your child develops asthma symptoms.
In addition to following your child's asthma action plan, you want to make sure exposure to asthma triggers (part ni memang susah sket.. kena trial and error. Diff people diff triggers) is limited, and preferably avoided.

How do I know when my child's asthma is well controlled?
You know your child's asthma is well controlled if, with medications, your child:
*Lives an active, normal life (terlompat lebih sket dah terbatuk-batuk..then mula mencungap-cungap huhuhu)
*Has few troublesome symptoms
*Attends school every day (belum mencapai matlamat! asik MC jaaa)
*Performs daily activities without difficulty
*Has few urgent visits to the doctor, emergency department, or hospital for asthma (just had last week! ngeee)
*Has few medication side effects

By learning about asthma and how it can be controlled, you take an important step toward managing your child's disease. We encourage you to work closely with your child's asthma care team to learn all you can about asthma, how to avoid triggers, what medications do, and how to correctly give them. With proper care, your child can live free of asthma symptoms and maintain a normal, healthy lifestyle.

Will my child outgrow asthma?
Once a person's airways become sensitive (asthma), they remain that way for life. However, about 50% of children experience a noticeable decrease in asthma symptoms by the time they become adolescents, therefore appearing to have "outgrown" their asthma. About half of these children will develop symptoms again in their 30's and/or 40's (just like daddy!). Unfortunately, there is no way to predict whose symptoms will decrease during adolescence and whose will return later in life.

What do I do when my child has an asthma attack?
If your child is showing symptoms of an asthma attack:
Give your child his/her reliever (bronchodilator) medicine according to the asthma action plan.
Wait five to fifteen minutes. If the symptoms disappear, your child should be able to resume whatever activity they were doing. If symptoms persist, follow your child's asthma action plan for further therapy. If your child fails to improve or you are not sure what action to take, call your child's physician.
Danger signs are severe wheezing, severe coughing, trouble walking and/or talking or blue lips and/or fingernails. If any of these are present go to the emergency department or call 911.
** mcm kes minggu lepas, actually Danish lepas kena tu, aku bagi inhaler.. otw to hosp dia dah mcm ok. Tu yang sampai kat A&E dia terlompat-lompat balik.. but i did the right thing bawak dia terus sebab sepanjang 2 hari kat hospital tu, dia masih termengah-mengah macam tak cukup nafas. Dr kata dia punya airways still tight...

*source: http://www.medicinenet.com/asthma_in_children/index.htm

p/s: Ms Lola, yang croup tu kan..different case. Croup tu batuk mcm kering, suara berubah sampai takde sora gitu..then dia batuk sampai mcm tak bleh bernafas gitu. Batuk dia mcm weird sket..not like ordinary cough.