Asthma in children

What is asthma?

What are the triggers of asthma?

A whole range of factors can cause problems in asthmatics:

• Allergic stimuli: e.g. house dust mites, pollen or animals
  These patients sometimes also experience other allergy symptoms such as eczema, hay fever (nasal discharge, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes).
• Non-allergic stimuli: e.g. cigarette smoke, exertion, emotions, temperature change, or infections

What are the consequences of asthma?

With proper treatment, asthmatics can exercise and play in as carefree a way as their peers do. However, it is crucial that treatment is properly administered and that it is maintained.

If left untreated, there is a risk of persistent complaints of coughing, wheezing and even an acute asthma attack that sometimes requires hospitalisation.

How is asthma treated?

Asthma treatment consists of several factors:

1. avoiding stimuli (e.g. smoke, allergic substances)
2. maintenance medication: this medication will suppress airway hypersensitivity. It has a preventive effect. Therefore, it is important to ALWAYS take this, even if there is no discomfort.
3. bronchodilators: These are used when things are going less well. This medication will relax the muscles surrounding the airway, thus improving shortness of breath and wheezing. However, they do not reduce airway inflammation. If you regularly need bronchodilators, the maintenance medication must be fine-tuned.

Every child has different complaints and needs tailored treatment. That is why you will receive your individual treatment plan on paper after the consultation.