Asthma: Prevention Is Best

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children. Epidemiological estimates show
that it affects around 6-7% of kids. In most cases (about 80%) asthma has an allergic origin,
and this figure is even larger for the first years of life. Exposition to allergens first produce
an allergic inflammation of the bronchi; later, other factors affect these sensitive bronchi,
provoking asthma symptoms.

Most important in the development and triggering of asthma symptoms are indoor domestic
allergens, like dust mite allergens, tobacco smoke, irritants like volatile organic compounds
and phthalates (e.g. found in paint and building materials), and also environmental pollution
(e.g. traffic) and ozone levels. Exposure to dog and cat allergens during the first year of life
reduces the risk of asthma, but once the disease appears, they should be avoided.

Other factors considered as risk factors of asthma in children include obesity and viral
respiratory infections. Interesting hypotheses about asthma revolve around its being triggered
by emotional stress through the mediation of immunological response, and the so-called
hygiene hypotheses on the harmful effects of excessive hygiene over children's immune
system. Respiratory difficulties obviously create huge distress in both patients and parents.
Asthma requires a thorough control based on avoidance of allergens, good medication habits
and skills.

Allergies and respiratory diseases like asthma and EPOC are steadily growing nowadays. We
are exposed to millions of particles and substances that might harm our respiratory system.
According to a recent study from the Mount Sinai Medical School, in the next decade there
could be a rise of more than 7% in asthma-related pediatric emergencies due to ozone
levels associated with the climate change. We could easily add up the obesity epidemic in the
western world, the non-ceasing pollution and level of urban occupation, and so forth, to paint
a disconsolate picture.

But not all is lost: prevention is possible. Any measure that contributes to a more healthy
childhood will reflect in a tougher immune system, for one. So let the children play in the mud,
and if you are not a pet lover, often visit with your baby, those friends who are. Get outside
town to explore the countryside and breathe cleaner air whenever possible. Consult pollution
index in your area, and those times of day when the air is cleaner (to open windows or go
play outside). Avoid overweight in children, and start soon educating their eating habits and
healthy food consumption. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to try to prevent
asthma from knocking on our door; we should try to raise our children in a more safe and
healthy environment, within our possibilities.