- posted: Mar. 27, 2024
Asthma is a condition that often presents in school-aged children. It has several possible causes, one of them being allergies. Learn about the common allergens that can trigger asthma in young children and how you can protect your child from asthma attacks with the help of a pediatrician at Southwest Children's Clinic in West Jordan, UT.
Guide to Asthma and Allergies
Asthma is a prevalent condition affecting about 6.5 percent of children in the United States. It can pose an immediate threat to a child's health and wellness, which is why it is such a pressing concern for parents. During an asthma attack, the respiratory passageways that allow for normal breathing swell up and nearly close. This causes the child to gasp and wheeze for air, trying to catch their breath. Asthma is sometimes classified as a genetic disorder, meaning that it runs in families. However, asthma flare-ups are also exasperated and triggered by environmental factors like pollutants in the air called allergens.
Common Allergens that Trigger Asthma Attacks
While some children have asthma episodes due to stress or too much physical activity, they are often caused by substances in the air that irritate their respiratory system when inhaled. These are some of the allergens that are most likely to trigger an asthma attack in a child:
- Tobacco smoke.
- Mold spores.
- Dust (check for it floating in beams of sunlight).
- Pet dander.
- Pollen from plants, trees, and flowers.
Tips for Helping Children Avoid Allergens
Since your children most likely spend a lot of time outdoors, around other people, and with animals and pets, it can be a challenge to keep them away from common allergens. Here are a few simple tips for protecting your child from allergic reactions and asthma attacks:
- Do not allow your child to be in the room when anyone is smoking cigarettes.
- Invest in supplies to keep dust and pet hair at bay in your home including air purifiers, dusting sweepers, and lint rollers that capture hair from surfaces.
- Encourage your child to wear a mask as much as possible throughout the day – especially when around a lot of trees or plants in nature.
- Ensure that your child is always equipped with quick-relief inhalers prescribed by your West Jordan, UT, pediatrician, and allergy medication.
Managing Your Child’s Asthma Symptoms
It is unnerving to see your child struggle with asthma symptoms, but you can take action to prevent and manage this common respiratory condition. Schedule an exam with a pediatrician at Southwest Children's Clinic in West Jordan, UT, by calling (801) 563-1975 today.
