Sedentary lifestyle increases incidence of childhood asthma

Wheezing, coughing, difficulty exercising or chest tightness are some of the symptoms of asthma, a very common chronic condition in children. In many cases, its origin is allergic in nature and causes increased secretion and contraction of the bronchial muscles.

Unfortunately, childhood asthma cannot be cured, and symptoms may persist into adulthood. But with proper treatment, the situation can be prevented from getting worse.

“The number of asthmatics varies depending on the time of year and location; The total population could reach 3-4 million people, and 10% is due to childhood asthma,” says Dr. Lilian Herrera Velasco, coordinator of the pediatric pulmonology and allergy department at the General University Hospital of Catalonia on the eve of the Asthma World Cup, which will take place on Tuesday.

There are more and more asthmatic children due to the increase in viruses and environmental pollution. Adults have the same triggers as children, plus occupational asthma. Thus, as the doctor explains, ““Five years ago 5 to 7% of the population had asthma, and now we’re talking about 10%.”

In their daily lives, this chronic inflammatory-obstructive pathology of the bronchi creates certain restrictions because it increases absenteeism from school, they have problems sleeping and, “if it is not controlled, it can limit physical and sports activity,” he says. doctor.

Now, just as pollution, climate change, smoking and allergens such as pets and ticks influence the rise in asthma, “in older children, sedentary lifestyles, poor diet and decreased physical activity influence the development of asthma ” says Herrera.

Moreover, “if there are more parents with asthma, there will be more genetically predisposed children over the years,” the doctor adds.

Disease Control

In any case, asthma can be lived normally if the disease is well controlled, but there is no cure, “given that in most cases there is a genetic predisposition,” Dr. Herrera recalls.

But with adequate treatment, “it can even make symptoms disappear and prevent asthma in adults,” says Dr. Maria Angeles García Fernandez, a pediatric specialist at the Quironsalud Hospital in Marbella and head of the hospital’s pediatric asthma unit.

This is why it is important to have good control of the disease, since “it is true that the child has more relapses than adults and may develop severe asthma, but the future depends on the child’s close cooperation with the parents and the team.” Doctor, so that you have good control. If it is treated correctly in childhood, you will not have severe asthma as an adult,” says Dr. Herrera.

In this sense, the main goal of asthma control is to maintain control of the disease as quickly as possible, and to prevent exacerbations and chronic airway obstruction, and to minimize morbidity and mortality. And, as Dr. Garcia assures us, “asthma control can be achieved in the vast majority of patients with appropriate interventions.”

The best way to prevent attacks is to avoid asthma triggers, as Dr. Garcia reminds: “First, limit your exposure to allergens and irritants that cause symptoms. Secondly, avoid your child being in areas where there is tobacco smoke, as this is a risk factor for the development of childhood asthma. Third, encourage regular physical activity to improve respiratory function. Fourth, consult your pediatrician for respiratory infections to avoid possible asthma exacerbation. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight through a healthy and balanced diet.

What to do in case of a crisis

These are, among other things, ways that parents can help prevent asthma attacks or reduce their severity. And if an asthma attack occurs, Dr. Garcia advises “acting calmly. In the event of a crisis episode, we recommend that an adult calm the child and move him to a place where there is a calm environment that helps reduce stress.

“It is important,” he continues, “to treat symptoms as soon as possible and start taking medications prescribed by your pediatrician at home. That is, never wait to see if it will go away on its own.

“After administration of the medicine and after an hour, the response to treatment should be assessed and whether it is necessary to attend an emergency or routine medical consultation according to the child’s development,” he adds.

Red eyes of a child, a sign?

►Despite the fear that many new parents may feel when they see their child’s red eyes, there are many reasons why a child’s eyes become watery. So, as Dr. Garcia Fernandez explains, “It may be due to tear duct obstruction, an upper respiratory tract infection, or a lower respiratory tract infection. At this young age, a diagnosis of asthma cannot be made because it is inaccurate. “Asthma can be diagnosed by a professional between the ages of five and six.”

Dr. Herrera wouldn’t have thought about asthma either, and in any case, “pediatricians should evaluate the child’s symptoms and auscultation to see if they notice mucus sounds or bronchial wheezing, since there is no bronchial involvement with a cold.”