Childhood asthma is twice as prevalent among boys as girls. The ratio switches during the teen years, when more girls than boys are affected. By the time adulthood is reached, asthma affects the same number of men as women.

Children with Asthma

Asthma affects children to varying degrees, from very mild to very severe. Children who have mild asthma may develop the condition only after vigorous exercise, whereas a child with severe asthma may experience symptoms every day.

Asthma is the number one cause of absenteeism from school (accounting for over 20,000 hospitalizations each year). The condition is particularly prevalent in the fall and winter, when viral and other respiratory infections abound. Respiratory infections and breathing cold air are powerful triggers for asthma.

Asthma Triggers

The causes of asthma are divided into two categories: triggers and inducers. However, the term “trigger” is often used for all causes. Triggers and inducers cause constriction of the airways, often accompanied by inflammation of the tissues that line the airways.

Common triggers for asthma include the following:

• Cold air
• Dust
• Strong fumes
• Exercise (particularly in the cold air)
• Inhaled irritants such as household cleaners or perfumes
• Emotional upsets
• Smoke. The effects of smoking just one cigarette linger in the home for seven days. It is important to provide a smoke-free home for all children, but particularly so for children with asthma.

Inducers of asthma include allergens and cold and flu (viral) infections. Inducers result in symptoms which may last longer, may be delayed, and are often less easily reversed than those caused by triggers.

Common allergens include:

• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Moulds
• House dust mites

Asthma Medication

Most people with asthma take two kinds of medication - controllers (preventers) and relievers. Each medication treats only one aspect of the condition.

Controllers reduce inflammation in the airways and should be taken every day. You will know that the controller medication is working for your child when his symptoms gradually diminish. It is important that your child continue to take this medication, even when he appears to have no symptoms of asthma, to prevent a recurrence of inflammation in the airways.

Relievers help to immediately alleviate symptoms. If your child is wheezing or coughing, she should receive a dose of the reliever as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, reliever medications do nothing to help the underlying problem of inflammation. They represent a short-term solution to breathing problems that require a controller medication.

Asthma and Exercise

Children with well controlled asthma should have little, if any difficulty with exercise. (If problems do occur during exercise or outdoor activity, you may wish to check with your child’s doctor to make sure that the controller medication is working as effectively as it should.) Some asthmatic children (and adults) may have difficulty exercising in very cold weather, or during pollen season.

Cold and flu infections are common asthma triggers. Having a cold or flu can also increase sensitivity to other triggers. When colds and flu are more prevalent during the winter months, it is especially important for parents to ensure their child’s asthma is well managed.

1. The Lung Association (Canada)