Asthma in children


Asthma in Children – Brief Introduction


Asthma affects the airways in the lungs, which is a chronic respiratory condition. The lungs are inflamed and narrow down. Children affected by asthma have recurring wheezing, coughing. These symptoms are worse at night or early morning. They can also be affected by difficulty in breathing, and tightness of the chest. There are medical and environmental reasons that trigger asthma. Children have a range of asthma from mild to severe. However the good news is when diagnosed properly and the earlier the treatment the better the chances for the child to lead an active, healthy life.

At Isha Speciality Clinics Dr.Swathy Talishetty gives prominence to early detection and regular monitoring for effective control of asthma in children.

For expert newborn and pediatric care, and asthma management, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the symptoms for asthma in children?


Asthma symptoms also resemble the symptoms of common cold so in especially young children it is difficult to identify. But the main symptoms to identify whether the child has asthma or not are as follows:-:
  1. Frequent coughing
    The child is coughing continuously and more so at nights or in the early morning. The cough could be more during/after a physical activity too. In some asthmatic children this might be the only symptom.
  2. Wheezing
    Whenever the child is exhaling (breathing out) there will be whistling or squeaky sound
  3. Shortness of breath
    The child will be gasping for breath and they have to make an extra effort to breathe.
  4. Tightness in the chest tightness and pain
    The child feels pain, pressure or tightness in the chest. Some children might even clench their chest.
  5. Difficulty in sleeping
    The symptoms of asthma are prominent during night and the child also cannot breathe freely. All of this makes it difficult for the child to sleep.
  6. Fatigue or lack of energy
    All the above symptoms weaken the child. They do not have the energy to carry out simple to hard tasks sometimes.
  7. Rapid breathing
    While any physically intensive activity like running, jogging or climbing stairs the child has difficulty breathing. This is also predominant in cold weather.

For expert newborn and pediatric care, and asthma management, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the warning signs of an asthma attack?


  • The coughing or wheezing are non stop and are not subsiding.
  • Inability to walk or talk due to difficulty in breathing
  • The lips and finger nails turn blue due to insufficient oxygen.
  • The child uses the neck or chest muscles to breathe a phenomenon known as “retractions”.
  • In young ones the symptoms look like they are growling while breathing.
  • Feeding infants cannot take the feed properly due to breathing difficulties.

The asthma attack happens often during :-
  • The night, or in cold weather
  • An allergy attack.
  • When the child is exposed to smoke, dust.
  • Intense physical activity

Early recognition and treatment are necessary for the child to lead a normal and an active life.

For expert newborn and pediatric care, and asthma management, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the causes for asthma in children?


Asthma occurs due to a combination of factors ranging from genetic to environmental causes. The airways are inflamed making it harder to breathe. Below are the main causes and triggers:

1. Genetics

  • A child with a parent or a sibling with asthma has more chances of developing asthma.

2. Environmental Triggers


The following environmental factors can worsen asthma symptoms:
  • Allergens
    • Dust mites
    • Pets such as cats, dogs, etc.
    • Pollen of trees, grass, weeds
    • Molds and Cockroach droppings
  • Tobacco smoke and secondhand smoke
  • Vehicular or air pollution
  • Strong smells from chemicals in cleaning products or paints
  • Cold weather or sudden changes in weather.

3. Respiratory Infections

  • Viral infections can trigger asthma in children.
  • If a child suffers respiratory infections as a kid they can develop asthma later.

4. Physical Activity

  • Exercising or playing sports in cold weather can increase asthma.

5. Medications

  • Children who have reactions to aspirin, NSAIDs, or beta-blockers, can have asthma.

6.Other Risk Factors:

  • Premature babies born with low birth weight
  • If the mother was smoking during pregnancy or was exposed to smoking during infancy.

For expert newborn and pediatric care, and asthma management, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the causes for childhood asthma


Treatment of asthma mainly involves avoiding the triggers along with medications and lifestyle modifications. The aim of treatments is to prevent asthma attacks and control the side effects.

1. Medications


Quick relief medicines

Quick relief medicines should be used when the asthma is acute or if the child has an asthma attack.
  • Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs). They work in just a few minutes and relax the respiratory airways. They should be used on a need basis and during wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath
  • Anticholinergics are occasionally used in emergency settings

Long-Term Control Medications

These are preventive medicines to prevent symptoms and reduce inflammation.
  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the most common medication for long term control. They reduce airway inflammation
  • Leukotriene receptor antagonists are oral medications and they work on both asthma and allergies.
  • Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) for better control of severe asthma.

Allergy Treatments
  • If allergies are triggering the asthma allergy shots are given along with Nasal corticosteroids

2.Non-Medication Management

  • Avoid the triggers like exposure to allergens, smoke, cold air, pollution, etc.
  • Asthma action plan specific to each child regarding what to do daily and during flare-ups
  • Educate the child and caregivers about the usage of inhalers/spacers.

3.Vaccinations

  • Mandatory flu shots annually.
  • Pneumococcal vaccine

4.Note to parents

  • For children under the age of five inhaler should be used with a spacer
  • The treatment must be modified as necessary with regular check-ups.

For expert newborn and pediatric care, and asthma management, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

How can asthma be prevented?


If Asthma is due to genetics or allergies then it cannot be completely controlled. But the frequency of asthma attacks can be reduced by managing the triggers, and with proper medical attention. The parents should identify when and why the child’s allergies are triggering and keep the child safe from them. Most common irritants are:
  • Avoid allergens such as dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, and cockroaches. So adapt the following practices around the child:
    • Use HEPA filters.
    • Let the child sleep on a dust-proof bed.
    • Do not use carpets as they can accumulate dust.
    • Do not let pets come near children.
  • Avoid irritants such as smoke, second hand smoke, perfumes and cleaning chemicals.
  • Avoid weather changes such as exposure to cold and taking the child to high altitude weather.
  • Avoid stressful environments- Keep the child away from strong emotions and stressful environments.

By managing the symptoms and avoiding the triggers the child can lead an active and healthy life with asthma.

For expert newborn and pediatric care, and asthma management, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

About Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at various convenient locations in Hyderabad such as Manikonda, Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-
  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

For expert newborn and pediatric care, and asthma management, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care!

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