Hyderabad: As much as 16.67% of the children below five years who develop asthma are found to suffer lifelong. More than 35% of pre-schoolers exhibit asthma symptoms according to a recent study published in the Journal of Paediatrics. It has been found that 1 in 10 Indian children is found to suffer from asthma.
The prevalence the childhood asthma in the year 2000 was 4.56% and due to obesity it was 2.75%. This number is now found to have risen to 5.67% and a recent document released by the Indian Council of Medical Research states that the prevalence is 7.4% in males and 6.1% in females in the pre-school age group.
Hospital-based analysis of the overall pattern of asthma shows that it was 9% in 1979 and increased to 29.5% in the year 2000.
Childhood or pediatric asthma is the most common and serious chronic disease found in infants and children and often difficult to diagnose. Some of the children are found to exhibit the symptoms when exercising, running or playing. Wheezing (whistling sound) when breathing or coughing, laboured breathing, complaints of chest burn, reduced energy levels and feeling of weakness and tiredness are some of the common symptoms seen in children.
In urban areas, the incidence is higher and many children between three and five years are found to suffer from childhood asthma.
Dr. Subhakar K, a senior chest specialist, said, “There is no specific reason for asthma in children. There can be several triggers such as dust, air-pollution, exposure to second hand smoke and also reactions to certain medicines. If treated properly, many of the children are completely cured. There is re-occurrence in those who find the same triggers again in their lifetime and when their immunity is low.”
Experts state that what is more important is to find the trigger, and often in children that becomes a difficult and time-consuming task. Dr. C Vijay Kumar, a senior pulmonologist, said, “In children, immunity levels are low and exposure to environmental pollutants is one of the reasons. Often we advise parents not to allow them play games which involve a lot of running around or play where there is dust.”
Children who play in areas with heavy vehicular pollutants are also prone to asthma. It is very important to find the allergens and, accordingly, carry out the change and also the treatment. Maintaining a healthy weight, encouraging good eating habits and including plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in the diet are important to develop a strong immune system in the child.
