Dr. Agrawal N T

What causes childhood asthma?

Researchers continue to learn what causes asthma. It is not entirely understood. The following things play a part:

• Genetics. Asthma runs in families.

• Allergies. Some allergies are more common in people with asthma. And, allergies also tend to run in families.

• Respiratory infections. Infants and young children who have some respiratory infections are more likely to have long-term lung problems.

• Environmental factors. Irritants, like pollution and allergens, are known to cause asthma.

What causes asthma symptoms to worsen (flare-ups)? 

Triggersare those things that cause asthma symptoms to get worse or asthma flare-ups. Each child has different triggers. A very important part of asthma management is identifying and then trying to avoid triggers. Asthma triggers include:

• Allergens, such as pollen, dust, and pets

• Upper respiratory infections, such as colds or the flu.

• Inhaled irritants, such as secondhand smoke.

• Certain weather conditions, such as cold air.

• Exercise or physical activity.

• Physical expressions of emotion, such as crying, laughing, or yelling.

Do children outgrow asthma?

How asthma will affect a child throughout his or her lifetime varies.

• Many infants and toddlers may wheeze when sick with a viral illness, such as cold or flu. However, most of these children don't get asthma later in life.

• Some children with persistent wheezing and asthma get better during the teenage years.

• About half of the children who have asthma at a young age appear to "outgrow" it, although asthma symptoms may reappear later in life.

If my child has asthma, can he or she participate in sports and activities?

Exercise, such as long-distance running, may trigger a flare-up in many children with asthma. However, with proper management, a child with asthma can fully participate in most sports. Aerobic exercise actually improves airway function by strengthening breathing muscles. Some tips for exercising with asthma include the following:

• Teach your child to breathe through the nose and not the mouth to warm and humidify the air before it enters the airways.

• During cold weather, have your child wear a scarf over his or her mouth and nose to warm inhaled air.

• Give your child asthma medication before exercising, as recommended by your child's health care provider. If your child is not already on controller medication and he or she exercises daily, the provider may recommend daily controller medication.

• Have your child carry his or her quick-relief inhaler medication.

Asthma and school

Some children with asthma may need to take their medications during school hours. It's important that you and your child work with his or her health care provider and school staff to meet the child's asthma treatment goals. For the best asthma care for your child at school, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology recommends the following:

• Meet with teachers and other relevant school staff to inform them about your child's condition, special needs, and asthma management plan.

• Educate school personnel on your child's asthma medications and how to assist during an asthma flare-up.

• Ask school staff to treat your child as normal as possible when the asthma is under control.

• Before starting a physical education class or a team sport, make sure the teacher or coach understands that exercise can trigger asthma symptoms.

• Talk with teachers and school administrators about indoor air quality, allergens, and irritants in the school.

• Ensure your child's emotional well-being by reassuring that asthma doesn't have to slow him or her down or make him or her different from other children.

Control of asthma through the years

Be honest with your child about asthma. Remember, as your child grows, that independence is an important goal. Children with asthma don't want to be different, yet they need guidance and supervision.

• Toddlers. This age group relies completely on the parents. These children understand little about asthma. The most important factor with this age group is to try to make medication time a fun one, while stressing the importance of taking the medications. Let the children assist in any way possible.

• School-age. These children have an increased ability to understand asthma. They should be taught about their medications and how to avoid their triggers. They should begin to monitor their own symptoms.

• Adolescents. Often, adolescents resist taking chronic medications, don't like restrictions, and don't want to be different. Involve adolescents in every aspect of asthma management. They should help with goal setting and help decide which medications work best. An asthma care "contract" can be used. It should allow for self-care while allowing overall parental supervision.

  Having asthma doesn't mean having less fun than other adolescents. It is important for your adolescent to tell his or her friends about his or her triggers.

Always consult your child's provider if you or your child has questions or concerns.

A change in weather bring about changes in the composition of dust and pollen and induce seasonal allergies, which a huge number of people fear. The good news is that there are a number of common food substances which can help control these seasonal allergies. There are specific ingredients in these foods which improve immunity and provide antihistamine-like effects (which is what most anti-allergic drugs do). Some of these foods are mentioned below:

1. Green tea: With its natural dose of antihistamines, it prevents you from developing allergies. A hot cup in the morning acts as a good shield against sneezing, which is common with pollen and dust allergies.
2. Oranges and strawberries: Vitamin C is essential for controlling allergies and it is always recommended to reach for a couple of fresh oranges or strawberries than popping a vitamin pill. They also contain other substances like traces of Omega-3 fatty acids and Quercetin.
3. Garlic: This blocks the production of chemicals that can cause allergies. Eating a couple of cloves in the morning daily will do wonders for the allergy prone people.
4. Turmeric: This miraculous Indian spice has strong anti-inflammatory properties and helps prevent all kind of allergies.
5. Nuts and seeds: For the vegetarians, eating walnuts and flax seed is a good alternative. A handful of walnut is equal to 3 ounces of salmon. Flax seed also contains selenium which has anti-allergic properties.
6. Cabbage and broccoli: The flavonoid called quercetin helps by reducing inflammation that is usually associated with allergies. Other sources include apples, onions, berries, and cauliflower.
7. Fatty fish: These contain a good amount of omega 3 fatty acids, and work better than the supplements any day. Take your pick from mackerel, sardines, salmon, tuna, trout, bluefish or herring. These have two types of Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) which are known to prevent people developing allergic symptoms. This anti-allergic property provides great relief in people who see seasonal allergic changes.
8. Local honey: For those who suffer from pollen allergy, a morning dose of honey helps build tolerance to this kind of allergy.
9. Wasabi: This pungent green paste helps breathing by opening up the airways and is very good for blocked nasal passages. It also is rich in antihistamines and helps prevent you from developing allergies.
10. Yoghurt and Kefir: These and other dairy products are rich in probiotics which contain a lot of friendly bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are generally found in the intestines. They also help build immunity and increase body’s ability to fight allergens better.

So, for those prone to seasonal allergies, there are few things that are easy to find and well within the reach of regular kitchen and can shield against allergies.