September 29, 2007

Asthma In Toddlers Can Be Controlled

What is the worse thing that can happen to your baby? Asthma! Yes, asthma in toddlers is a reality. A large number of children with asthma develop this condition during their infancy. It has been reported that a staggering 5 million kids in America suffer from asthma. Out of them, 173 thousand are hospitalized for severe attacks and 864 thousand have to undergo emergency treatment every year!

So, watch out for your baby’s respiration! It’s tough to diagnose asthma in toddlers. Therefore, the best thing you can do is look for the symptoms of the disease. A large number of asthma deaths have occurred because the parents were unable to detect the signs and the condition got severe.

Careful Observation Can Save Your Child’s Life

The time when you should be extra careful is when your toddler has a cold or any respiratory problem such as bronchitis. Sometimes, it’s quite confusing, as both these conditions display asthma-like symptoms. However, if your child has a wheezing cough or difficulty in breathing, then it’s time to seek medical help. It could be asthma.
 
If your child has asthma, he or she will harbor a constant cough with congestion in the chest. There might be wheezing at times. Besides this, he or she will exhibit muscle retractions as well as burning nostrils. It would be difficult to feed your baby, as he/she will find it difficult to breathe. In addition to this, you will notice that your baby breathes rapidly while sleeping. In case you observe much faster breathing, take him to the hospital at once.
 
Another symptom to watch for is the lack of energy and enthusiasm in your child while playing. This happens because your child gets hesitant to undergo physical activities, as he starts realizing that it leads to shortness of breath.
 
Once you notice all or any of the above symptoms, you should not lose another minute. Take your child to the doctor for a check-up.

Asthma In Toddlers Is Not Always Life-Long

If the doctor diagnoses asthma in your child, don’t lose heart. It’s not necessary that your child will have to live with those inhalers the entire life. There have been numerous cases where asthma in toddler disappeared in adulthood. It has also been concluded from these cases that toddlers with asthma develop resistance against the disease as they grow up.
 
Although it’s tough to deal with asthma in toddlers, it’s not impossible. Take the help of your doctor. You doctor will list out the instructions in case of an asthma attack. Besides, your kid’s teachers can be of assistance. Discuss with them about your child’s condition and what to do in case he or she gets an attack in school.
 
In addition to this, there are certain things you need to take care of at home and outside. Don’t expose your child to the smoke of cigarettes. It can trigger an attack. Stuffed toys are also a hidden cause for asthma. They are the perfect place for dust mites. Also, during fall and spring, keep your child indoors as much as you can because the pollen levels are high in the air during these seasons. They can lead to serious asthma attacks.
 
A little carefulness from the part of the parents can control asthma in toddlers. Don’t let your baby become a victim. Save her now!

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

Related Entries