Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs and airways. If your toddler has asthma, these airways are irritated and swollen, and this can affect their ability to breathe. It's important that you work with your child's doctor to prevent and treat asthma attacks, they will probably prescribe medication to prevent attacks. With the right medications, education, an asthma action plan, and regular medical follow-ups, most asthmatic children do just fine.

Asthma attacks

If your toddler has an acute asthma attack, the lining of their airways becomes even more inflamed and produces more mucus, the muscles around the airways tighten. They may breathe rapidly, cough, wheeze, or whistle as the breath is forced through the narrowed airways. If left untreated or if there's a delay in seeking medical attention, asthma attacks can be deadly. As soon as you notice symptoms of an attack, promptly give your child the inhaler prescribed by his doctor. If you have none or this is their first attack call an ambulance. Once the medicine opens his breathing tubes, the symptoms should subside. If the symptoms persist or get worse call an ambulance.

Allergy’s and asthma

Exposure to allergens such as dust mites, mould, pollens, or animal dander can trigger or worsen symptoms in some children with asthma, his condition is referred to as allergic asthma. Seasonal allergies to outdoor pollens, hay fever won't usually be a problem until your child is 4 or 5 because it can take that long to develop sensitivity to them. Allergies to dust mites mould, or animal dander may develop earlier in life, though. If your toddler has asthma and you know or suspect they have allergies, you may want to take him to an allergist for further evaluation and treatment to help prevent allergic asthma attacks. Other common asthma triggers include cold air, viral infections, smoke, or just plain running around.