Childhood Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the airways undergo changes when stimulated by allergens or other environmental triggers that causes an inability to breathe properly. The word asthma was derived from an ancient Greek word meaning panting or breathlessness.

The cause of asthma is multifactorial and includes both hereditary and environmental factors. Most cases of asthma are thought to be related to the presence of allergies, however not all persons with allergies have asthma and not all cases of asthma can be attributed to allergies.

Triggers for asthma can include:

• Cold, dry air
• Exercise
• Tobacco smoke
• Fumes (paint, exhaust, etc.)
• Viral respiratory infections
• Environmental allergens such as house-dust mites, molds, and cockroaches

Symptoms of asthma include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Chest tightness or pain
• Rapid breathing
• Chest retractions due to labored breathing
• Irritation of the mouth and throat
• Thirst
• Need to urinate
• Tightness of the neck muscles
• Thick stringy mucus (especially at the end of the attack)
• Frequent bouts of weakness or tiredness

The major goal of asthma management is to maintain normal life with normal lung function. This can be accomplished by meeting the following individual goals:

• Prevent chronic and troublesome symptoms (e.g., cough, sleep disturbance, exercise intolerance)
• Minimize time lost from school and daily activities
• Prevent recurrent exacerbations and the need for emergency care
• Optimize asthma management using the fewest medications possible

Learn more by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook on Childhood Asthma, the most comprehensive, up-to-date source of information available. You will get answers to your questions, including:

• What are the risk factors of Childhood Asthma?
• What standard and alternative treatment options are available?
• Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Childhood Asthma research and treatment?
• What are the results of the latest clinical trials?
• Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area?
• What are the promising new treatments on the horizon?

You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. Your health matters. Don't leave it to chance. Arm yourself with the most comprehensive, up-to-date research available by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook today. Click here to preview the MediFocus Guidebook on Childhood Asthma.