The cases of asthma have risen in the recent years. Several factors/hypotheses were given but none are conclusive. Up until now, the medical world is uncertain as to what causes the increase in asthma diagnosis.  Among the factors mentioned are;

Here are some of the factors considered by medical professionals as possible reasons for the rise in asthma diagnosis in the recent three decades.

1. Poor circulation of air in “tight” houses. In urban areas especially, houses are tightly sealed, houses are very near each other, and there are not enough trees around. These hamper sufficient circulation of air; thus, houses would seem like petri dishes of dust-mites and molds, which could trigger asthma.
2. Hygiene-hypothesis. Too sanitary and hygienic environment of modern society have deprived children of developing anti-bodies that could fight allergies. So, this suggests that children need to be exposed to certain pathogen for them to develop natural defenses. Yet, exposure to infection early in life can be a risk factor for asthma.
3. Sedentary living. Modernization has brought people so much convenience and comfort in life.  The many technology has many lives easy and light. Consequently, decreasing physical exertion and other form of physical movement. In effect, lessens lung strength and increases obesity that promotes inflammation in the body.

As mentioned above doctors and medical researchers alike are unsure of the causes. However, one thing is certain, only half of the asthma cases globally is caused by allergens. And so, what causes asthma with the rest of the asthma diagnosed population is still baffling doctors until now.

What Should Parents Do then?

Children experiencing asthma attack have inflamed airways that makes breathing difficult.  This makes them physically weak and hinders any form of outdoor activities that require physical exertion like riding a bicycle, spelunking, and traveling.  This isn’t right! Right? Children must be playing, making more clutters at home, exploring and experiencing things. Now as parents,

Here’s what we could do.

1. Be vigilant and observant. If there’s a history of asthma in your family most likely your child might have the allergy-related cells. But the trigger might be different. It could be strong chemical odor, gas like helium,  fine dusts, or irritated airways due to coughing. In my daughter’s case, it was triggered by mosquito propellent and then fine face and baby powder. It took us a while to figure this out – after so many episodes of asthma attacks and late-night trips to the hospital.
2. Seek professional help. If you suspect allergy in your child go to an asthma specialist. We have gone to several pediatricians but none have given us the kind of help and remedy we were hoping for. Asthma specialists would certainly know what to look for, how to diagnose, and how to treat it. If your child’s asthma is caused by allergens, then there is proven treatment for it as based on our own experiences. My daughter took Flixotide and my son Seretide placed in a babyhaler for almost a year before they finally gotten rid of asthma. If it goes untreated it will remain in your child until he grows old as the case of my husband.

As parents of asthmatic children, we know better that it is no joke.  The emotions parents have to go through seeing their child struggle, and the ordeal a child has to surpass are simply unbearable.

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