Asthma has become a common health problem in India. Most children are detected with Asthma with no such family history. This prevalence of Asthma is because of higher pollution levels, bad dietary habits and lack of physical activities. Apart from these, Kids who take fast food more than 3 times a week are at an increased risk of Asthma.
Asthma is a common inflammatory condition of airway affecting the people of all ages and groups. The prevalence of childhood Asthma has increased in the last 10 years on the Indian subcontinent, which is not taken seriously.
Almost 35% of preschoolers are found to have asthma symptoms. Two-thirds of tots are outgrown in the later stages of childhood. Around 16.67% of urban Indian children suffer from childhood asthma. Most childhood Asthma is controlled by considering a variety of quick-relief medications and long-term control medications.
What Causes Pediatric Asthma?
The exact cause of Asthma is not known, but the development of a sensitive immune system plays a significant role. The causes are considered to be a result of certain triggers including:
- Inherited traits
- Exposure to cigarette smoke
- Viral infections such as the common cold
- Exposure to air pollutants, such as tobacco smoke
- Dust mites, pet dander, pollen or mould allergies
- Infections
- Physical activity
- Weather changes or cold air
- Increased exposure to air pollution
- Low birth weight
- Obesity
- A chronic runny or stuffy nose (rhinitis)
- Severe lower respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia
- Inflamed sinuses (sinusitis)
- Heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD)
- Being male
- Urbanization
However, the children with the following factors may be at high risk than a normal child:
- History of ICU admission
- History of multiple hospitalizations for asthma
- History of multiple visits to the asthma emergency department
- History of systemic steroids uses for asthma
- Ongoing symptoms despite the use of appropriate medications
- Significant allergies contributing to poorly-controlled asthma
Economic Burden Of Asthma On India
Asthma is a serious issue that is impairing the psychological wellbeing of a Nation resulting in the substantial economic burden. The level of economic burden may vary from one country to the other depending on several determinants. These determinants include:
- Gross domestic product (GDP) of the country
- Financial spending on public healthcare
- Geographic and demographic status
- Type of health system (public vs. private)
- Organization of health services (health authorities, hospitals, clinics, etc.)
- Level of primary care (developed vs. undeveloped)
- Adequacy of hospital network in the country
- Status of private clinics (complementary or fundamentals)
- Prevention and promotion in quality of life
- Links with organizations such as schools and the pharmaceutical industry
- Rehabilitation of asthma patients for self and work worthiness
- Government and pharmaceutical industry relationship regarding the use of generic drugs to asthma treatment
- The methodology used to collect data and robustness of the data collection modules.
Data about Indian economic burden is scant because 18% of the world’s population lives in India. It has been noted that around 1/10th of the total asthmatics in the world live in India. With the prevalence of Asthma in India, maintenance treatment for severe asthma is likely to rise with the increased availability of newer biologics for asthma.
How to get rid of Asthma?
Taking certain precautions can help you reduce your child’s exposure to his or her asthma triggers. Avoiding these triggers helps in reducing the possibility of an asthma attack. Sometimes, it will be difficult to decide whether your child’s symptoms are caused by asthma or something else. The following are the thing that may help you avoid triggers:
- Maintain low humidity at home and use a device to keep the air drier (dehumidifier), if you live in a damp climate
- Keep your indoor air clean. This can be done by checking your air conditioning system every year and installing a small-particle filter in your ventilation system.
- Avoid pets with fur or feathers. Reduce the pet danger by having regular bathing and grooming activities
- Reduce your child’s exposure to dust mites. Make sure that your windows and doors closed during pollen season.
- Remove carpeting and install hard flooring to keep dust to a minimum
- Use washable curtains and blinds followed by dust-proof covers for encasing pillows, mattresses and box springs
- Clean your house at least once a week to remove dust and allergens.
- Reduce your child’s exposure to cold air with a face mask
- Make sure your child gets exercise because exercise reduces symptoms
- Maintain a healthy diet because being overweight puts your child at risk of worsening asthma
- Avoid smoking around your child because it can be a strong risk factor of asthma in children
- Encourage regular physical activities as they can condition the lungs to work more efficiently.
- Consult your child’s doctor regularly, so as ensure as the Asthma can change over time
Conclusion Majority of children with asthma are treated on an outpatient basis but are managed in the emergency department or inpatient hospitalization. However, the children with Asthma should be referred to a specialist who can help relieve the symptoms and helps the Asthma from worsening.
About The Hospital:
Sai Siva Children’s Hospital, Chanda Nagar, is a full-fledged medical facility specially designed for pediatric patients as well as young adults. The hospital was started in the year 2008, with the aim of reaching out to schools and villages to educate the middle and high school students about health & hygiene. Sai Siva Children’s Hospital is one of the most sought-after children’s hospitals in Hyderabad with a team of experienced doctors and skilled staff who aim to help your child have healthy growth and development. We believe that children today are the future of our world, and must have good health to make the world a better place to live in.