Asthma Exacerbation in Children

Asthma affects almost 6 million children in the United States, and all of those children are at risk for asthma exacerbation. Asthma exacerbation can be severe enough to cause hospitalization or even death.

Effects

• Asthma exacerbation in children can be seen in acute episodes when shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing becomes progressively worse.

Causes

• Air pollution and viruses have been found to be a cause of asthma exacerbation in children. Viruses are common causes in children who have otherwise mild asthma.

Tests

• To test for asthma exacerbation in children, the doctor will use spirometry to measure lung function. The tests most often used are pulse oximetry and PEF or FEV1 measurements.

Significance

• Asthma accounts for approximately 4,000 deaths a year in the United States, but many of them could have been prevented with treatment.

Prevention/Solution

• Just like with asthma, asthma exacerbation is treated through assessment, education about asthma for the parents and child, any necessary controls on the environment, and needed medications for the child.

Warning

• Don't ignore signs of possible exacerbation. Regardless of the normal level of asthma your child has, she could have an exacerbation that is life-threatening and needs immediate treatment.