Posts
Distinguishing between asthma and common cold in children
A relative of mine is suffering a lot from the problem of cold in his child, because they did not pay attention to it in time, thinking it was a common cold. But in fact, the child had a respiratory problem. So now he is constantly running to the hospital and home.
We do not know many things about maintaining general
health, such as - we make a mistake in differentiating between common cold and
asthma. Many people get scared of common cold, while some people mistake real
asthma for common cold and make the problem serious. Such a situation is seen
in many people in our family or surroundings. If you want to lead a healthy
life, you should know it.
Children suffer more from asthma than adults. The
outbreak of asthma is most common at the beginning of winter. Researchers say
that when the temperature drops by just 3 degrees Celsius from normal, the
child's sensitive respiratory system can no longer tolerate it. That's when
coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing start. These are the symptoms of
asthma. These symptoms are more common in the morning or after going to bed at
night.
Basically, some complex factors including genetic,
immunological factors are responsible for asthma. In simple terms,
hypersensitivity of the trachea is responsible for asthma.
The reason why children have more asthma is because
their trachea is more sensitive than adults. At a time when normal children can
play in the cold, roll in the dust or eat whatever they want, children with
asthma start having trouble breathing when they do so due to their sensitivity.
As for treatment, experts say -
Asthma does not mean that you have to stay indoors all
the time. However, you should try to avoid allergens. Smoking should not be
allowed in front of the child. Adequate lighting and ventilation should be
provided in the room. Use synthetic carpets instead of fibrous carpets. Hairy
sheets, blankets, covers or blankets should not be used on the child's bed.
Children should not be given fibrous toys, balls or dolls.
Asthma treatment includes inhalers and medicines. The
child does not suffer any harm from using an inhaler or nebulizer. Many people
think that once they take an inhaler, they will become dependent on it. There
is no problem with that. Inhalers are safer than oral medications.
In many children, asthma flare-ups increase every
winter. Parents become very worried about whether the child will grow properly
or be successful. If the rules are followed and the treatment is taken
regularly, children with asthma can lead a completely normal life.
While giving examples of successful lives with asthma,
the expert said - US President Bill Clinton, football player Beckham and writer
Charles Dickens also had asthma. They were successful by keeping asthma under
complete control. Remember, asthma is not a disease that can be cured forever,
but it is possible to control it completely.
Experts say there is nothing to panic about a child's
asthma --
A child with asthma occasionally breathes rapidly or
has difficulty breathing. If a child breathes more than 40 times per minute, it
can be called shortness of breath or rapid breathing. The mother can understand
this by counting the fluctuations in the child's chest and abdomen. Coughing at
night, such rapid breathing more than three times, shortness of breath that is
relieved by medicines like salbutamol - these are the symptoms of asthma in
children.
Children are more affected by this disease than adults
and there are some differences in their treatment methods.
1. To avoid asthma, the things or allergens that increase
it should be avoided. Some children cannot tolerate dust, some flower pollen,
some pet hair. Some people also have it in their food. The mother or everyone
in the family should pay attention to which things affect the child.
2. Very young children cannot use inhalers. They need
to apply medicine with a nebulizer. Older children should be taught how to use
an inhaler. A respichamber or spacer should be used.
3. If breathing is very difficult or the phlegm is
yellow or there is a fever, antibiotics, steroids, etc. may be prescribed as
per the doctor's advice. If it becomes severe, you may have to be hospitalized
and given oxygen.
4. Parents are skeptical about using an inhaler.
Remember that the medicine in an inhaler goes directly to the lungs, does not
mix with the blood, and it has almost no side effects. So there is no harm even
if you use it regularly.
5. Every time after using an inhaler, the child should
clean his mouth and tongue and gargle. Common cough syrups, antihistamines,
etc. available in the market are ineffective in treating asthma.
6. Many children get better or control their asthma
after they grow up.
7. Don't forget to take an inhaler or nebulizer in
your child's school bag or when you go out with them. Sudden asthma attacks can
occur in any situation (such as in the playground, school, park). Children need
to be trained on how to use an inhaler to reduce breathing problems without
panicking.
8. A child can remain healthy and normal throughout their life by keeping it well-controlled with regular treatment for asthma. Help them maintain their confidence. Because asthma is very painful, they may identify themselves as a sick child, so you should be careful not to let this happen at all.
# Experts
suggest some alternative measures and exercises that can provide some relief
from breathing problems -
1. Sit with your back straight. You can sit on the
floor or on a chair. Take a long breath through your nose slowly for 4/5
seconds. Instead of filling your lungs, fill your stomach with air. You should
inhale through your mouth for 4/6 seconds, keeping your nose closed. Do this
10/20 times.
2. Hot water vapor is beneficial. Take hot water in a
pan, take a long breath in the steam that rises through your nose and exhale
through your mouth.
3. Ginger honey tea or drink or just one spoon of
ginger juice mixed with one teaspoon of honey can be beneficial.
Know and be aware to lead a healthy life.
