Asthma in Toddlers

Asthma in Toddlers is one of the primary causes of chronic illness in toddlers. Asthma in Toddlers affects as many as 10%-12% of children in the U.S. and, for unknown reasons, is steadily increasing. It can begin at any age, but most children have their first Asthma in Toddlers symptoms by age 5.

What makes a child more likely to develop asthma?

There are many risk factors for developing childhood asthma. These include:

-Allergies present in your toddler
*Genetics/Family background (Has anyone related dealt with Asthma in Toddlers)
-Your toddler developing respiratory infections often
*Low birth weight
*Exposure to tobacco smoke before and/or after birth
-Males generally are more likely to develop asthma in toddlers
-Being black; often times it is more common to develop asthma in toddlers
*Being raised in a low-income environment

Well what does that have to do with more toddlers developing asthma in toddlers?

No one really knows why more and more children are developing asthma in toddlers. Some experts suggest that children are being exposed to more and more allergens such as dust, air pollution, and second-hand smoke. These factors all are triggers of asthma in toddlers. Others suspect that children are not exposed to enough childhood illnesses to build up their immune system. It appears that a disorder of the immune system where the body fails to make enough protective antibodies may play a role in causing asthma in toddlers.

And still others suggest that decreasing rates of breast feeding have prevented important substances of the immune system from being passed on to babies.

How do I know if my kid has developed Asthma in toddlers?

The signals you need to look for are normally blatant and include:

*Coughing for a long interval of time; often. It generally happens during laughing, playing, or simply at night
-Less energy during play
-Rapid breathing
-Complaint of chest tightness or chest "hurting"
-Whistling sound when breathing in or out
*See-saw motions in the chest from labored breathing
-Shortness of breath, loss of breath
-Tightened neck and chest muscles
-Toddler complains of fatigue or being weak

With all the information stated, do realize not all toddlers have the exact same asthma symptoms. These symptoms can change from one day to another even in the same toddlers. As well, realize not all whistling sounds, or coughing is a direct symptom of asthma in toddlers.

In kids under 5 years of age, the most common cause of asthma in toddlers -like symptoms is upper respiratory viral infections such as the common cold.

If your child has problem breathing, take him or her to the doctor immediately for an evaluation.