- Asthma is the most common chronic inflammatory condition in Children characterized by reversible small airway obstruction, Smooth muscle contraction in the wall of airway; edema and mucous production are the contributing factors for the obstruction. The above change in airway usually follows a stimulating agent which originates from gene-environment interaction that may start in early life and even during pregnancy.
- The initiating or stimulating causes are usually allergens like cold air, perfumes, high humidity and most commonly viruses like viruses causing common cold or cigarette smoke and many others.
- Asthma comes in a form of attack and causes symptoms like persistent coughing, shortness of breath and a musical sound in the chest called wheezing which is because of airway narrowing.
- Breast feeding especially in first 4-6 months of life seems to be protective against later asthma.
- Early complimentary or solid feeding in infant may put the children at high risk for developing allergy (atopic dermatitis and asthma)
- Vitamin D intake through diet, sunlight or supplementation may be beneficial in the prevention of asthma.
- Antibiotic use has been shown to be associated with development of asthma in the later stage of life especially the use of broad spectrum antibiotic in 1styear of life.
- Maternal smoking both during pregnancy and after birth is associated with measurable harmful effect, including greater risk of developing asthma symptoms in early life.
- Respiratory viral illness during early life has been associated with as increase likelihood of asthma.
- The connection of asthma with psychological aspects seems logical because data showing a connection between stress and immune cells of the human being.
Dr. Hossein Sardari-Zadeh
Specialist Pediatrician
Armada Medical Centre
Tel: 04-3990022
