Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by the inflammation of the airways in response to exercise, an allergen, or another irritant. In most cases, asthma cannot go away on its own. However, many patients with asthma experience variations in the severity of their asthma throughout their lives. This is especially true for those diagnosed with childhood asthma. The condition will sometimes disappear through their teen years only to reemerge in adulthood or when the respiratory system is stressed. Can asthma improve on its own?
Can Asthma Improve On Its Own?
Asthma’s ability to resurface after years without symptoms can make it inherently dangerous, especially for children. That is why we have put together this short guide to discuss what it means to have chronic asthma and what you can do to keep your child safe. For more detailed information on your child’s specific case, talk to your asthma doctor in New York City.
How Does Asthma Affect the Respiratory System?
Asthma is a long-term condition that affects your ability to breathe normally. Essentially, when the airways become irritated by exercise or allergens, the airways become inflamed, which constricts airflow. Some patients may also produce excess mucus in their airways when symptoms are triggered. In all cases, asthma makes it harder for the affected person to get enough air.
The person may cough or experience wheezing during an episode, but the real danger is that they won’t provide their body with sufficient oxygen. As a result, people who have been diagnosed with asthma should always have easy access to a current emergency inhaler even if they have not had symptoms for years.
What Causes Childhood Asthma?
The causes of childhood asthma can vary. In some cases, there is a genetic component. The child may have developed specific allergies that make them more susceptible, or one of the parents may have the condition themselves. It is also possible for the environment to play a role. Children raised in areas with consistent exposure to air pollution or tobacco smoke are more likely to develop asthma.
Treating Childhood Asthma
Childhood asthma and adult asthma are the same condition. However, treating children effectively can be more challenging for three reasons.
- Children may not recognize potential asthma triggers, so they may not avoid them when they should.
- Children may not recognize the early symptoms of asthma attacks, delaying treatment.
- Young children may have difficulty using a conventional emergency inhaler, and nebulizers are harder to transport.
Fortunately, your pediatric asthma specialist will be able to talk to you and your child to find the best solutions for your family as your work to get your child’s asthma under control. Don’t feel surprised if you have to try several different treatments. It can be frustrating, but trial and error is often the best way to ensure that your child is using the medications that work best for them.
Planning for the Future
It is difficult to tell whether or not your child’s asthma will get better or worse with age. Ideally, you will find a management plan that works for them, and their symptoms will become less frequent in their early teen years. Many patients with childhood asthma can go years without an attack once they have reached adulthood. However, that does not mean they are cured.
There is always the possibility that their asthma could be triggered, so it pays to be prepared. In order to keep your child safe throughout their life, make sure they know to always keep their emergency inhaler prescription updated. Having easy access to their medication in case of an attack could easily save their life.
