Childhood asthma

Childhood asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing. Around 4.9 million children in the US suffer from asthma.[1] It is difficult to diagnose asthma in children younger than 6 years of age. There can be multiple factors that can contribute to asthma in childhood such as genetics, allergens, and viral infections.[2] Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental factors that contribute to asthma due to their developing respiratory systems, higher respiratory rates, and increased exposure to outdoor air pollutants during play and school activities. Childhood asthma has been linked to various environmental exposures such as air pollution, allergens, and indoor toxins. Additionally, social determinants such as housing quality, access to healthcare, and socioeconomic status can influence prevalence and outcomes.[3][4]

Asthma attacks are triggered by infections, dust, psychological and physical stress, or excessive exercise.[5] These exacerbations may require medical intervention or hospitalization. Early diagnosis, preventative measures and effective asthma management strategies can significantly improve a child’s well-being and reduce the frequency of attacks. Ongoing public health efforts focus on reducing childhood asthma prevalence through education, improved air quality regulations, environmental control strategies, and expanded access to healthcare.[6]

  1. ^ "Asthma in Children". Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
  2. ^ "Asthma Causes & Risk Factors". American Lung Association.
  3. ^ Grant, Torie (2022). "Asthma and the Social Determinants of Health". Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 128 (1): 5–11. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2021.10.002. PMC 8671352. PMID 34673220.
  4. ^ Holden, Karl A.; Hawcutt, Daniel B.; Sinha, Ian P. (2025-03-08). "Socioeconomic determinants of outcomes in childhood asthma". Paediatric Respiratory Reviews. doi:10.1016/j.prrv.2025.03.001. ISSN 1526-0542.
  5. ^ Wypych-Ślusarska, A (2022). "Respiratory Symptoms, Allergies, and Environmental Exposures in Children with and without Asthma". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19 (18): 11180. doi:10.3390/ijerph191811180. PMC 9517590. PMID 36141448.
  6. ^ Mirabelli, Maria (2024). "CDC's National Asthma Control Program: Public Health Actions to Reduce the Burden of Asthma". Preventing Chronic Disease. 21: E73. doi:10.5888/pcd21.240344. PMC 11451571. PMID 39298794.
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