• 1 week ago

Allergic Asthma in Children

What Is Allergic Asthma?

Allergic asthma is a chronic respiratory condition in which a child’s airways become inflamed and narrowed in response to specific allergens—such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. This airway sensitivity causes classic asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

In allergic asthma, the immune system overreacts to harmless substances, triggering inflammation and bronchial constriction. Symptoms often worsen at night, after exercise, or during allergy seasons. While asthma cannot be cured, it can be well-controlled with proper medication and environmental management.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergic Asthma?

Symptoms may vary in intensity and may not be constant. However, certain signs are typical, especially when they worsen in specific situations (exercise, cold air, exposure to pets or pollen):

  • Dry, recurring cough—often at night or early morning
  • Wheezing—a whistling sound when breathing out
  • Shortness of breath—difficulty catching breath
  • Chest tightness or discomfort
  • Fatigue during play or physical activity
  • Runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes—suggesting allergic rhinitis

Symptoms may come in episodes or “flare-ups” (asthma attacks), which require quick intervention.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history, focusing on:

  • Frequency and pattern of symptoms
  • Triggers (dust, weather, exercise, etc.)
  • Family history of asthma, allergies, or eczema

Diagnostic Tools:

  • Pulmonary function tests (spirometry): Measures lung capacity and response to inhalers (for children over age 5)
  • Allergy testing: Skin prick or blood IgE testing to identify allergens
  • Peak flow meter: Tracks airflow at home over time
  • Chest X-rays: To rule out other causes in persistent cases

What Triggers Allergic Asthma?

Understanding and avoiding triggers is key to preventing flare-ups.

Common triggers include:

  • Dust mites (bedding, carpets, stuffed toys)
  • Pollen (spring and summer months)
  • Pet dander (cats and dogs)
  • Mold (damp environments)
  • Cold air or sudden weather changes
  • Exercise (especially without warm-up)
  • Smoke (including secondhand smoke exposure)

Trigger control alone can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.

Treatment of Allergic Asthma

Effective asthma treatment includes both short-term relief during attacks and long-term control to prevent inflammation and symptoms.

1. Rescue Medication (Relievers)

  • Short-acting beta agonists (SABA) such as salbutamol
  • Used during wheezing episodes or before exercise
  • Provides fast but temporary relief

2. Controller Medication (Preventers)

  • Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone): reduce airway inflammation
  • Used daily, even when symptoms are absent
  • Helps prevent attacks and stabilize airway function

3. Allergy Management

  • Oral antihistamines
  • Nasal sprays for allergic rhinitis
  • Allergen immunotherapy (in select cases)

Proper inhaler technique is crucial for medication effectiveness. Children and caregivers must be trained and regularly reviewed.

Living with Allergic Asthma: Family Tips

  • Keep the home smoke-free
  • Wash bedding at 60°C weekly
  • Use hypoallergenic covers for pillows and mattresses
  • Remove or limit stuffed toys, rugs, curtains
  • Ventilate rooms regularly and reduce indoor humidity
  • Use air purifiers if needed
  • Follow an asthma action plan prepared with your pediatrician

Asthma Management with Dr. Ekin Pasinlioğlu

  • Full history and trigger analysis
  • Spirometry and allergy testing as appropriate
  • Individualized treatment plans and dose adjustments
  • Asthma action plan for home and school
  • Hands-on training in inhaler use
  • Regular monitoring and growth evaluation
  • Coordination with school staff for safe activity participation