Asthma is a chronic disease in children and has become more widespread in recent years. There are two main types of asthma: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic asthma is caused by the immune system overreacting to outside factors such as pollen, dust or animal dander and frequently affects children with allergy problems.
Intrinsic asthma is caused by factors other than allergies, most commonly exercise.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a respiratory condition characterized by a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which causes them to swell and narrow the airways.
What are the Symptoms?
Asthma symptoms vary, but wheezing is the one symptom that all asthmatics share. Wheezing sounds like the person is whistling when he exhales. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, chest congestion or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
How Do You Get It?
There is a genetic component. Often, the children of two asthmatic parents develop the condition, though the environment plays a more definitive role. Allergies, infection and pollution can all lead to asthma, in both children and adults.
Treatment
Asthma is treated with corticosteroids, bronchodilators, medication, nebulizers and inhalers.
Can You Outgrow It?
Many children display less symptoms as they grow older. Some never display them again. Others appear to have outgrown it, only to have it return as they grow older and their lifestyle changes. Children whose asthma is triggered primarily by allergies probably won't outgrow it. Those with exercise-induced asthma will likely always have problems when they exercise, though symptoms induced by other factors may disappear.
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