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Pediatric Asthma A Growing Problem Livingston, N.J. -- Asthma afflicts about 15 million Americans, including five million children. Since 1980, the biggest growth in asthma cases has been in children under five, reports the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Nearly 1 in 13 school-age children has asthma, and that rate is rising more rapidly in preschool-aged children. The disease is a leading cause of childhood hospitalizations and school absenteeism. Asthma accounts for one-third of all pediatric emergency room visits and is the fourth most common cause for physician office visits. “Asthma can occur at any age but is more common in children than adults, says Susan Margolin, M.D., Chief of Pediatrics, Saint Barnabas Medical Center. “In addition to requiring visits to the pediatrician, asthma can cause nights of interrupted sleep, limitation of activity, and disruption of family routines. Many cases of asthma also go undiagnosed. It is very important for children with asthma to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.” The following information about asthma is provided by The Department of Pediatrics at Saint Barnabas Medical Center and the EPA. Asthma Defined Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can be life threatening. During an asthmatic attack, the airways leading to the lungs constrict and the lungs receive less air. Symptoms of an asthma attack include difficulty breathing, a tight feeling in the chest, coughing and wheezing. Asthma can develop quickly and can range from mild discomfort to severe difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks are often separated by symptom-free periods, says Dr. Margolin. During an asthma attack, three major changes can take place in the lungs. First, cells in the air tubes make more mucus than normal, clogging up the tubes. Next, cells in the airways get inflamed, causing the air tubes to swell. Finally, the muscles around the air tubes may tighten. These changes cause the air tubes to narrow, which makes it hard to breathe. What Triggers Asthma Attacks? Asthma attacks are caused by triggers, something to which the airways are sensitive. Viral infections are the most common triggers causing asthma attacks. Two other major categories of asthma triggers are allergens and irritants. Allergens are substances that cause no problem for most people but which trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive people. During an allergy attack, the body releases chemicals called mediators, which can trigger asthma episodes. Irritants, such as cold air, cigarette smoke, industrial chemicals, perfume, and paint and gasoline, fumes can trigger asthma. These irritants probably trigger asthma symptoms by stimulating irritant receptors in the respiratory tract, causing the muscles surrounding the airway to constrict, resulting in an asthma attack. Some indoor environmental asthma triggers include secondhand cigarette smoke, cockroaches, dust mites, molds, pets, house dust, ozone, pollen. Also, viral infections are the leading cause of acute asthma attacks. If I Have Asthma, What Can I Do? Consult your physician to set up an asthma management plan. Following your asthma management plan will help keep your asthma under control. For a referral to a pediatric pulmonologist or an adult pulmonologist at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, please call 1-888-SBMC-DOC. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Saint Barnabas helps those with breathing problems to improve their quality of life. To reach this program, call (973) 322-8926. Date: June, 2003 [ top ] |
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