Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases in children. According to research, approximately 10-15% of children in Greece are estimated to suffer from asthma, with its frequency having increased in recent years, both in Greece and worldwide. It is a disease that affects the airways of the lungs, causing inflammation, increased mucus production, and airway obstruction, which makes it difficult for the child to breathe.
The main symptoms of asthma in children include persistent coughing and shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or sleep, chest tightness, and wheezing caused by breathing. It is important for parents to recognize the early signs of asthma so that they can seek immediate medical help and begin appropriate treatment, as untreated asthma can cause chronic lung problems.
Allergens such as pollen, dust, and animals, as well as simple viral infections, can act as triggers and cause symptoms to worsen, even leading to an asthma attack. At the same time, family history and genetic factors also play an important role in the development of the condition.
Asthma is diagnosed after clinical assessment and medical history taken by a specialist pediatric pulmonologist and with the help of tests such as spirometry. Children with allergic asthma often have a positive family history of atopy (asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis).
Asthma treatment involves the use of medications that aim to reduce airway inflammation. The main categories of drugs include bronchodilators for immediate relief (relievers) and anti-inflammatory drugs for long-term treatment and control of inflammation (controllers). As the manifestation of the disease varies from patient to patient, treatment must always be individualized and tailored to each child.
It is important for parents to be trained to recognize the symptoms of asthma and know how to manage an attack. For this reason, guidance from a pediatric pulmonologist is particularly important.
Allergens such as pollen, dust, and animals, as well as simple viral infections, can act as triggers and cause symptoms to worsen, even leading to an asthma attack. At the same time, family history and genetic factors also play an important role in the development of the condition.
Asthma is diagnosed after clinical assessment and medical history taken by a specialist pediatric pulmonologist and with the help of tests such as spirometry. Children with allergic asthma often have a positive family history of atopy (asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis).
Asthma treatment involves the use of medications that aim to reduce airway inflammation. The main categories of drugs include bronchodilators for immediate relief (relievers) and anti-inflammatory drugs for long-term treatment and control of inflammation (controllers). As the manifestation of the disease varies from patient to patient, treatment must always be individualized and tailored to each child.
It is important for parents to be trained to recognize the symptoms of asthma and know how to manage an attack. For this reason, guidance from a pediatric pulmonologist is particularly important.