Babies are a bundle of joy, but they can also face health challenges just like adults. One common health concern that can affect infants is asthma. Asthma in babies can be a worrisome condition, but with proper knowledge and care, parents can effectively manage it.
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Asthma in Baby
Asthma is an extremely distressing condition in itself. It is an allergic reaction of the airways to allergens – pollen, cold air, or even stress. The airways start narrowing and the child has difficulty breathing. Asthma in babies is difficult to spot if you do not know what to look for.
An older child is able to express his distress in words, or by that time, the parents know what an asthma attack looks like. However, what does asthma in babies look like? How to spot asthma in newborns? Let’s find out.
What Causes Asthma in Babies
Understanding the causes of asthma in babies is crucial for parents. While the exact cause remains unclear, several factors contribute to its development:
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Genetics: If there’s a family history of asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, your baby may have a higher risk of developing asthma.
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Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental allergens such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and tobacco smoke can trigger asthma symptoms in babies.
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Respiratory Infections: Viral infections, especially those affecting the respiratory system, can increase the likelihood of asthma in infants.
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Premature Birth: Babies born prematurely may have underdeveloped lungs, making them more susceptible to respiratory conditions like asthma.
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Low Birth Weight: Babies with low birth weight are also at a higher risk of developing asthma.
What Asthma Looks Like in Infants
Sophie Cachia, a mum and an entrepreneur uploaded a video of her baby on Instagram.
Florence, her little baby, suffered from an asthma attack and was taken to the hospital. After treating her, the doctors sent her back with instructions to bring her in if the parents were not sure. And the next day, Florence had a similar attack. The parents had some experience with this as their elder child also suffers from Asthma. The mum captured the video in case she needed to show it to the doctors.
They took her just in time as she was given immediate treatment. And just so that other parent should not miss these signs, Sophie shared the video on Instagram.
Symptoms of Asthma in Babies
When one breathes normally, the deeper chest muscles and diaphragm help in expanding and contracting the rib cage, and this, in turn, expands the lungs, causing breathing. When a person is having difficulty breathing, the accessory muscles of respiration – the muscles of the neck, the abdomen, the superficial muscles of the chest and back get involved. And this is what causes the particular breathing pattern in children.
Recognising the signs of asthma in babies is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
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Coughing: Persistent coughing, especially at night or during physical activity, can be a sign of asthma in infants.
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Wheezing: Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound produced when your baby breathes. It’s a classic asthma symptom.
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Shortness of Breath: If your baby seems to struggle while breathing (nostrils flaring, skin is sucking in around and between ribs or above the sternum, or exaggerated belly movement) or breathes rapidly, it could be due to asthma.
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Chest Tightness: Babies may show signs of discomfort or chest tightness when they have asthma.
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Frequent Respiratory Infections: If your baby frequently develops respiratory infections, it may indicate an underlying asthma condition.
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Difficulty Feeding: Some babies with asthma may find it challenging to feed due to breathing difficulties.
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Irritability: Asthma can make babies fussy, irritable, and have trouble sleeping.
- Cyanosis: a tissue colour change on mucus membranes (tongue, lips, and around the eyes) and fingertips or nail beds – the colour appears greyish or whitish on darker skin tones and bluish on lighter skin tones.
Image source: iStock
Asthma in Babies: the Diagnosis
What’s the Earliest a Baby Can Be Diagnosed with Asthma
While asthma can be challenging to diagnose in infants, some babies show signs as early as six months of age. However, most doctors are cautious and may wait until around age two before providing a definitive diagnosis.
How can asthma be diagnosed in babies?
Diagnosing asthma in little ones can be quite a challenge. However, if you’re worried that your baby’s symptoms could be asthma, here are additional information that you should provide your child’s paediatrician:
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Family History: Let your paedia in on any family history of asthma or allergies. It could be a crucial piece of the puzzle.
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Behavioural Clues: Sometimes, your child’s behaviour can speak volumes. Is there anything unusual going on? Let the doctor know.
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Breathing Habits: Share the details on when the breathing troubles kick in. Is it worse at night, during the day, when they’re active, or when they’re relaxing? Do any medicines seem to help?
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Triggers and Reactions: Keep an eye out for anything that seems to set off their symptoms, like certain foods or possible allergy triggers. And tell the doctor how your little one reacts to these triggers.
Now, here’s the kicker: lung function tests, the ones often used to diagnose asthma, can be a tad tricky with the tiny tots. So, instead of going all scientific with machines, the doctor might try something different. They might check how your child responds to medicines that help with breathing. They could also order blood tests, allergy checks, or even X-rays to gather more information.
In some cases, they might even suggest a trip to a pediatric allergist or a pulmonologist (a lung specialist) for some special tests or treatments.
Can Asthma Be Treated in Babies?
Yes, asthma in babies can be managed effectively with medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Treatment options may include:
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Medications: Your baby’s doctor may prescribe bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications to control asthma symptoms.
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Inhalers with a Spacer: Inhalers equipped with a spacer can help your baby receive the medication effectively.
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Allergen Avoidance: Identify and minimise your baby’s exposure to asthma triggers like allergens and tobacco smoke.
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Monitoring: Regular check-ups with your paediatrician are essential to monitor your baby’s asthma and adjust treatment as needed.
Will My Baby Have Asthma for Life
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Can babies outgrow asthma?
The question of whether a baby will have asthma for life can be a concern for parents. While asthma can start in childhood, it’s important to note that many children with asthma experience significant improvement or even complete resolution of their symptoms as they grow older.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that about half of children with asthma no longer had the condition by the time they reached their teenage years.
However, asthma is a highly individualised condition, and its course can vary from person to person. It’s essential for parents to work closely with healthcare professionals to manage their child’s asthma effectively and monitor their progress over time.
How to Manage Your Baby’s Asthma
When dealing with a chronic illness in a baby or toddler, parents often find themselves pushed to their limits. To help manage this situation, consider these coping strategies:
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Familiarise Yourself with Warning Signs
Take the time to learn the signs that indicate an escalation of asthma in infants and toddlers. Recognise your child’s unique asthma symptom patterns.
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Create an Asthma Action Plan
Collaborate with your child’s doctor to establish a comprehensive Asthma Action Plan. Ensure that the plan outlines the steps to follow if asthma symptoms worsen, and understand when it’s crucial to seek emergency care.
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Consistently Follow the Action Plan
Make it a daily habit to adhere to your child’s Asthma Action Plan. Refrain from making any changes to the plan without first consulting your child’s doctor. Even if your child appears symptom-free, continue following the plan until you’ve discussed any modifications with the doctor.
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Teach Communication
Encourage your toddler or preschooler to communicate when they don’t feel well. Open communication is key to understanding their condition.
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Prepare for Emergencies
Develop a clear emergency action plan in case your child experiences a severe asthma episode. Decide on a preferred hospital, ensuring it aligns with your doctor’s recommendations and is covered by your healthcare plan.
Make arrangements for the care of your other children during emergencies, and familiarise yourself with the provisions for emergency care under your medical coverage.
Remember, managing a chronic illness in a young child can be challenging, but with proper planning and communication, you can navigate it more effectively.
What to Avoid When Your Baby Has Asthma
To help manage your baby’s asthma effectively, here are some things to avoid:
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Secondhand Smoke: Keep your baby away from tobacco smoke and smokers.
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Allergens: Reduce exposure to common allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mould.
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Cold Air: Protect your baby from cold, dry air, which can trigger asthma symptoms.
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Respiratory Infections: Take precautions to prevent respiratory infections, such as practising good hand hygiene and avoiding crowded places during flu season.
In conclusion, asthma in babies is a manageable condition with the right knowledge and care. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help your baby lead a healthy and active life. Always consult with your paediatrician for guidance tailored to your baby’s specific needs.
Image Source: iStock
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