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Asthma is one of the most undiagnosed and undertreated medical conditions. It occurs most commonly in children.
About twenty-six million Americans suffer from asthma-and about six million of these are under eighteen. It is also the primary reason children miss school – an average of 13.8 million school days are lost yearly. Asthma in children can be severe because children have smaller airways than adults.
Although asthma is controllable, about 50% of affected children do not have the proper medication. Their condition is uncontrolled. (https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/nhis/2019/data.htm.)
What is asthma? What are the symptoms?
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition that inflames the airways that carry the air we breathe to and from the nose, mouth, and lungs. The inflammation narrows these airways making breathing difficult (shortness of breath). Other symptoms may include wheezing, coughing, or pain in the chest. Asthma is not a curable disease, but it is controllable.
Childhood asthma
Over 6 million American children have asthma (CDC). Typical signs (symptoms) of childhood asthma are;
- Frequent or prolonged coughing, especially when the child is asleep, or the coughing bout is triggered by exercise or exposure to cold air
- Constricted airways may cause a whistling or wheezing sound when the child breathes out
- Shortness of breath (panting) even without strenuous exercise
Signs of asthma in children can be challenging to distinguish from other respiratory problems caused by infectious bronchitis, an allergic reaction, or even the common cold.
Childhood asthma is not different from asthma in adulthood. Still, young children are less resilient than adults and far more dependent on their carers. The condition is a leading cause of ER visits and hospitalization.
When to see the doctor
No one wants to make unnecessary visits to the doctor. However, it makes sense to seek advice and reassurance if your child shows the symptoms described above, especially in infancy. A child showing these symptoms may not have asthma, but the symptoms should be assessed and treated.
Asthma has no cure, and symptoms may persist in adulthood. But early diagnosis and treatment F and avoid possible triggers (such as tobacco smoke). Knowing that a child has asthma enables you to develop a personalized care plan with the help of your medical advisors. An asthma care plan can help you, your family, and caregivers track symptoms, avoid trigger events and know what to do in the event of an asthma attack.
Causes of childhood asthma
The causes of childhood asthma are not understood. Some children (and adults) have immune systems predisposed to be more sensitive (over-reactive) to some respiratory trigger events than average. This immune sensitivity causes the lungs and airways to swell and produce mucus, making breathing difficult.
Factors thought to influence this increased sensitivity are;
- Parents with asthma
- An inherited tendency to develop allergies
- Pre-existing airway infections at a young age
Trigger events, i.e., circumstances that set off the immune reaction, are;
- Viral infections such as the common cold
- Stress/Exercise
- Exposure to allergens, e.g., pollen (often specific plants), pet dander (the microscopic flecks of skin shed by those animals’ fur or feathers)
- Household pests such as cockroaches and dust mites
- Airborn irritants such as (tobacco) smoke, chemical fumes, or strong odors
- Dry, wet, or windy weather
It is infrequent for anyone to be hurt by more than one or two of these triggers. Identifying those that apply to your child and reducing or eliminating the risk of exposure is critical.
What are the treatments for childhood asthma?
While asthma can’t be cured, early treatment can reduce the likelihood of complications in later life.
The aim of asthma treatment is twofold;
- prevent the symptoms by identifying and eliminating the triggers
- to equip the sufferer or their carers to treat an asthma attack in progress
Your doctor/pediatrician may prescribe tests to assess;
- Lung function
- Possible benefits of steroid medication
- Signs of reactions to some common allergens
Your doctor may advise delaying medication use for children under three years old if the symptoms are mild. The long-term effects of asthma medication on infants and young children are unclear.
Does ACA-compliant health insurance cover asthma?
Chronic disease management, which includes asthma, is covered by all ACA-compliant Health insurance plans. Plans may vary in coverage; the deductible, the co-payments, the co-insurances, and their formulary (the specific branded drugs covered by the plan). The maximum you can pay(2023) is $9,100 for an individual ($18,200). Managing chronic conditions can be costly, so it is vital to make sure that a plan meets your specific needs. An experienced, qualified health insurance broker can help you make the best choice.
The ACA ensures infants may receive Well Baby and Well Child visits (0-5 years of age) to the doctor for free. If you suspect your child is showing any signs of asthma, take advantage of your health coverage and make an appointment to see your doctor.
